BHI Congratulates START Program Participants
The Bermuda Hospitality Institute recognizes 11 motivated young men and women that have successfully completed the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute’s START program.
The program, offered through BHI as one of its many educational initiatives aimed at steering Bermudians into the local hospitality industry, saw all 11 students pass the final exam administered by the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute.
The successful students will now enter the work experience component of the program, which is required to receive certification. Students will be placed at a variety of local hospitality industry establishments, including The Fairmont Southampton, Pickled Onion Restaurant and Butterfield & Vallis, to name a few.
“This is the fourth year we’ve offered the START program to high school students,” said BHI Executive Director, Malika Musson.
START, which stands for Skills, Tasks & Results Training, ran from January 14 through April 26 at the Bermuda College, which partnered with BHI through the complimentary use of its facilities.
The program provides a quality career based educational experience that prepares high school students for the vast opportunities that await them in the hospitality industry – whether they choose a career in the field, or pursue part-time employment opportunities while furthering their education or to supplement their income.
“This summer will see approximately 20 START students employed and we’re extremely grateful to our members and the various businesses who have committed to holding positions open for them,” said Ms. Musson. “Their support highlights our mutual goal of promoting Bermuda’s hospitality industry through education and training.”
BHI began offering the American Hotel & Lodging Institute START Certification Program in 2011. Open annually to high school students in S3 and S4 between ages 16-18, START consists of 180 hours of classroom lectures, site visits and special projects.
Two instructors – Joann Adams, Government Training Manager, and Lawrence Sticca, Government Training Coordinator – facilitated the program this year. Students must pass a final exam with a minimum score of at least 70 percent to receive a certificate of completion.
Upon successful completion participants are guaranteed full-time summer employment within the Island’s hospitality industry for as long as they are in school. BHI coordinates all student placements annually. Students become certified in one of several entry-level categories after 90 days on-the-job experience [they have two summers to complete this requirement].
START Statistics
- Total 52 START students have completed the program to-date [4 sessions in total]
- 23 START students have received their industry Certifications
START students represent the majority of high schools on the Island, as well as a number of home schools. Summer job placements represent the scope and diversity of the hospitality industry, with students afforded a different opportunity each year.
2014 START Program Summer Placements:
- Zadia Augustus – The Reefs Resort & Club
- Yajni Durham – Rosewood Tucker’s Point Hotel
- Zarena Lindsay – The Fairmont Southampton
- Keni Maybury – Swizzle Inn Restaurant
- Danyelle Nisbett – The Reefs Resort & Club
- Jai-Onni Outerbridge – The Fairmont Southampton
- James Pearman – Snorkel Park Beach
- Shani Simmons – Butterfield & Vallis Food Service Division
- Asya Simons – The Pickled Onion Restaurant & Bar
- Breanna West – Snorkel Park Beach
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