Every summer students descend upon the local business community in hopes of landing a job for a few months.While most businesses welcome the youthful and temporary labour, some say that inappropriately dressed, instant messaging teenagers manning the front desk or helping a customer isn’t particularly good for business either.That’s why the Bermuda Employers Council (BEC) stepped in and created the WorkReady Summer Programme — to teach students starting in their early teen years the basics of work appropriate behaviour and dress, among many other new skills.This is the second year of the summer camp and the programme is an extension of the BEC’s mandatory and accredited course taught at two senior schools throughout the year.For the month of July, students in the four-week programme can learn valuable knowledge on how to become a star employee learning skills like resume writing, customer service, e-mail etiquette, business dress and how to answer a phone appropriately.Starting July 2, the course runs every day from 8.45am until 3.30pm with workshops, guest presentations and group projects.“The Council designed both of these programmes to ensure students become ‘Employees of Choice’ by helping them to understand what will be required of them in the work force and develop a skill set to meet these expectations,” said Kathy Ann Paynter, director of BEC’s member services. “We believe it is important for young people to be aware that companies are attracted to individuals who have the ability to demonstrate a balance between academic qualifications and social responsibility.”At the end of their camp, the students will receive a card, much like a driver’s licence, indicating to prospective employers that they have completed the course.Though the course was born out of the business community’s need for properly trained workers, the curriculum doesn’t just deal with solely employment skills. It also focuses on future career and secondary education guidance.A certified school counsellor will provide individualised advice for each student, helping them in seeking a career path that speaks to their interests, skills, and strengths.Other activities include practice with filling out job, college, and scholarship applications accurately, constructing an impressive but true resume, responding to job adverts by writing cover letters, planning and preparing for a job interview, and demonstrating professionalism in the workplace.Some of the workshop topics offered include: Customer Service, Interviewing Skills, Effective Communication, Team Work, and Financial Planning. Guest speakers are also invited in to present mini-workshops on scholarship and internship prospects.“The hands-on learning experience offers participants the opportunity to complete a Career Interest Inventory and research particulars about the occupation including the course of study or vocational training required for an entry level position,” said Ms Paynter. “Additionally, they are connected to mentors in the profession to learn more about the day-to-day job responsibilities, identify potential employers, and evaluate employment availability in Bermuda. This information plays a key role in helping students to determine whether an occupation is suitable for them and guide their academic plan.”Aside from getting their WR programme driver’s licence, students will also compile a credential packet that includes their resume, letters of recommendation, and a professional summary.The course is $250 per week, though if a student chooses to attend all four weeks and pays in advance, the cost drops to $230 per week. The course only has room for 20 students and is open for “mature” students as young as 13.To register, please contact Kristin Eve at keve@bec.bm or 295-5070.