Training scheme helps jobless impress tourism bosses

After a week of coaching, participants in the Hospitality Industry Job Preparation Programme had just six minutes to impress a potential future employer this week.

Thirty-three unemployed people signed up for the scheme, organized in partnership with Government’s Department of Labour and Training.

It offered coaching in resume, presentation and interview technique, plus Bermudians in hospitality gave talks highlighting the opportunities on offer.

Skills

The ‘students’ were aged from 18 to 50-plus and all had various degrees of skills and experience.

Ms Lacey said: “People who have been out of work for whatever reason, after a while their skills tend to be lost. There is also a loss of self-esteem and confidence.

“This programme looks at all aspects of a person’s transition, from where they are to where they need to be.

“We’ve also focused on the industry itself, giving feedback from Bermudians, and how the hospitality industry is interconnected.

“We’ve looked at how each person would fit in based on their talents and abilities.”

Up to 80 people applied for the course. The selection criteria included time keeping, commitment and self-assessment.

Ms Lacey said: “Everyone who finished this programme deserves a chance.”

Allen Richardson, training officer with the Department of Labour and Training, said: “The areas we have dealt with include how to prepare for an interview, communication skills and resumes.

“We’ve also had some really good presenters, such as the Bank of Butterfield, on budgeting.

“We will definitely run this programme again. We will also track this group to see how they get on and hopefully plot successes.”

The participants put their new skills into practice yesterday, having just six minutes to impress employers such as Elbow Beach, Fairmont Hamilton Princess, Fairmont South-ampton Resort, Tucker’s Point, Cambridge Beaches, Thomas United Company and Dolphin Quest.

Kellianne Smith, human resources director at Fairmont Hamilton Princess, said: “They were prepared. I saw a high level of confidence, they were articulate, had good eye contact and a firm handshake.

“Some of them we’ve seen before and I saw an improvement.”

Richard Quinn, manager of Cambridge Beaches, said: “I was very impressed by the candidates.

“Karla and her team and the Department of Labour and Training need to be commended for this initiative. I’ve enjoyed meeting all these candidates.”

Belcario Thomas, project manager for Thomas United Company, which owns Indigo, Upper Crust and North Shore Bakery, said 10 to 15 positions were available, from waiting staff and bartenders to delivery drivers.

He added: “I was impressed at the eagerness of the candidates.”

Christine Mihelcic, general manager of Dolphin Quest, said: “I’ve enjoyed today’s format. It’s been short but we’ve had those snippets.”

Participant Shervin Hollis, 53, of Pembroke, said: “The last week has been very informative.

“I’ve learned how to take criticism, how to be confident, enthusiastic and positive.

“It’s about raising the bar, having high standards and commitment.

“The presentations have been great, very informative. We’ve had people from all different areas of the hotels.

“This is a 360-degree career change for me. I started out in the hospitality industry then went into masonry and construction and now I’m back.

“In this industry you have to have a good character to become an ambassador for Bermuda.”

Rough

Juleka Wilson, 21, of Devonshire, said: “I’ve always been good at customer service and am interested in guest contact positions, such as on a front desk.

“I’ve learned to improve my interview skills and to know when I’m saying too much.

“I started out a bit rough but by the time I got to the third table I was a pro.”

David Hill, 24, of Sandys, said: “I’ve learned how to ask questions during an interview.

“I like working with my hands so am interested in house maintenance.

“I’ve also learned how important tourism is to the island and how important it is for more Bermudians to get into the industry.”