A scheme to train Bermudians for work in the hospitality sector has received 300 applicants, MPs were told this morning.Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, Patrice Minors made a statement in the House of Assembly updating the MPs on the progress of a partnership between the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, The Bermuda Hotel Association and the Restaurant Division of the Chamber of Commerce programme designed to reduce the number of work permits for waiters and servers by 100.She said to date almost 300 people have made an application and of that number 45 people have already been screened and 15 commenced their first course at the Bermuda College.The Minister’s full statement says:Mr Speaker, I’m pleased to rise this morning to provide an update on a public/private partnership designed to get Bermudians back to work in the hospitality industry sector.Honourable members will be aware that over the years Bermudians have opted out of the hospitality industry for any number of reasons. Some argue that as the economy diversified there were greater opportunities in other areas. Others argue that as the people of Bermuda became more sophisticated they began to equate service with servitude and no longer were willing to work in what was perceived as a labour intensive industry.Mr Speaker, the Bermudian talent drain from this sector has resulted in a scenario wherein, among other job categories, records show that there are in excess of 400 waiter/server work permits issued annually. This number can increase to as many as 600 work permits when one considers the issuance of seasonal work permits that may be issued during the peak tourist season.The significant reliance on overseas labour in this category presents a tremendous opportunity for Bermudians and Bermuda. On the one hand it highlights that jobs are available for those willing to reinvent themselves and it also provides an opportunity to reintroduce the Bermudian experience to the front-line thereby positively impacting our visitor’s cultural experience.Mr Speaker, one of our aims is to help the unemployed ‘reinvent’ themselves, so they are ‘job ready’ and can work within the current job market. For most, it means starting a program to upgrade or change their skills. For some, it means taking a job that they may feel is below their skill level, while they learn new skills to meet the requirements for a better paying job.To this end Mr Speaker, I am pleased to advise that as a result of a partnership between the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, The Bermuda Hotel Association and the Restaurant Division of the Chamber of Commerce a waiter/server programme designed to reduce the number of work permits by 100 in the first instance has been launched.The programme is designed for those with minimum dining room experience. It covers basic food, wine and beverage service. The standard of performance for the techniques of service presented in this programme is based on the International Business & Gourmet Standards of Hospitality (IBGS).The beverage service standards portion of this course, which is also included in the IBGS Standards, has received The International Sommelier Guild Seal of Approval.Additionally, there is also a mandatory requirement for participants to engage in soft skills training. This module will concentrate on teaching time management, proper work ethic, communication styles and workplace diversity.Overall, the programme prepares students for the Dining Room Associate designation from the Federation of Dining Room Professionals and is being offered through the Bermuda College, division of Professional and Career Education (PACE).Mr Speaker, the Waiter/Server programme opened for application at the 2012 Hospitality Job Fair and has also been widely promoted via local media.To date close to 300 people have made application.Of that number 45 people have already been screened and 15 commenced their first course at the Bermuda College on the 5th December, 2011.The coursework is four weeks in duration and it is anticipated that courses will run from December 2011 through April 2012.Mr. Speaker, based on an agreement with our private sector partners, upon successful completion of the coursework all one hundred participants are guaranteed jobs in the hospitality sector. The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry is underwriting the $90,275 cost associated with the training via the National Training Board and the programme is offered free of charge to all participants.Mr Speaker, training, in terms of time, effort and expense, is an investment which will pay dividends in securing employment and future career advancement. The Ministry encourages Bermudians to recognise the value of education and training as an integral part of meeting the needs of the labour market now and in the future.This programme Mr. Speaker, is proof positive that in the short-term, this Government is helping Bermudians to adjust to the changing labour market so that they can secure jobs. Our plan is to continue to work with employers more closely because it is in everyone’s best interest to employ more Bermudians. Our collective role in employing Bermudians is critical to the sustainability of the country.To be clear Mr Speaker, this is but one programme in one industry sector, it is anticipated that similar programmes in other sectors will follow.Thank you Mr Speaker.