summer students at LaTrattoria, Earl Basden, Jecoa Tucker and Shakir Darrell have proven they have what it takes.

Restaurant manager Nicky Russo recently told The Royal Gazette's Young Observer page: "I don't have enough praise for these young men.'' Earl, 16, is the eldest of the three hard-working youngsters at the restaurant where he began working in the summer of 1999 as a waiter's assistant.

He said:"I thought it was a great opportunity to learn about the hospitality industry and restaurant operations.'' He now reckons that he has learned many skills that will benefit him in the near future when he attends Bermuda College to pursue music.

"I learned how to work in a busy environment, how to work with other people and co-operation.'' But while he has enjoyed his experience, there have also been a few challenges.

He said: "I enjoyed everything from serving to cleaning tables and helping in the shop. It's a great experience.

" But sometimes when we get very busy it can get exhausting going back and forth.'' Jecoa Tucker, 13, who only began working at LaTrattoria this summer added: "When it gets busy it's a lot to do, it gets tiring , it's so busy.'' Before working at the restaurant, Jecoa packed groceries for two years.

He said: "I'd never worked in a restaurant. I wanted to see what it was like because it looked fun.'' While he had not considered a career in the hospitality industry before this summer's experience, he said he might want to now.

His responsibilities have ranged from helping out, setting up tables at lunch and dinner and sometimes serving customers.

When asked what he has gained from the experience, Jecoa drew a blank at first.

Mr. Russo reminded him: "You are on time. You know the value of hard work because you take it seriously.'' Jecoa chimed-in: "It's a big responsibility. I meet new people and learn different things.'' At the fresh age of 11, Shakir took a chance and sent a letter to managing director Emilio Barbieri asking for a summer position.

Mr. Barbeiri was so impressed with Shakir's letter -- despite his young age -- that he decided to give him a chance.

Shakier, now 13, said: "The difference is that before I was on both sides and now I'm on this side... assisting the waiters.'' He said he first applied for the job because he thought it would be different to work in the hospitality industry. Now, manager Russo reckons that Shakir is "very good at interacting with people.'' Shakir said that what he enjoys most is working with people and learning something different every time he shows for work.

Mr. Russo said:"I am extremely happy with Earl and Shakir.

"I was thrilled to know they were coming back with us this year because they have shown from the very beginning an interest and a willingness to learn and they took it seriously. They kept good time and were never late.

"It's rewarding for me to see that when you're trying to teach, they learn because they have a willingness to take it in.

"For Jecoa, it's his first year and he is getting more and more familiar with the system. And he's not as shy as the first few days when he started.'' Mr. Russo added: "We also have had quite a few girls coming through as summer students. It just so happened that this year I got three boys. So, they should not shy away from choosing this career.'' Director of training, leadership and communication, Dale Butler, said that the Little Venice Group has a number of summer students, but that they were particularly pleased with Earl, Jecoa and Shakir.