13-year-olds an opportunity to spend a day exploring the career of their choice.

The marriage between business and education is aimed at giving younger children their first exposure to the workplace.

The scheme is the brainchild of the Bermuda Business Education Partnership which joins educators, businesses and unions to help schoolchildren find their niche in the world of work.

School principals and parents have already embraced the idea and now it is up to businesses to throw their support behind the project.

Co-Chairman of the Partnership Mr. Kenneth Spurling said he looked forward to an "overwhelming response'' from employers.

Brochures have already been sent out to major employers who are encouraged to take the opportunity to forge links with the Island's future work force.

"The success of the programme relies on the level of participation of the business community,'' Mr. Spurling said.

If the project proves a success, the Partnership aims to make it a permanent feature in schools.

"We are trying to make the system equitable and accessible to as many children as possible,'' said Co-Chairman of the Partnership and Government Education Officer Mrs. Janette Musson.

A term of preparation with visits to different work sites will be followed by an opportunity for each student to spend a day in the work place of his choice, "shadowing'' a particular employee.

Education Minister the Hon. Dr. Terceira has urged businesses and parents to support the project. The Ministry, he said, was very aware of the need to involve the business community in the education of young people at all stages of learning.

The Business Education Partnership particularly thanks the Bank of Bermuda for its commitment to the project.

CASTING SHADOWS -- Bermuda Business Education Partnership members (from left), Senior Manager of Human Resources at the Bank of Bermuda Mr. Mark Perrault, Education Minister the Hon. Dr. Terceira, Partnership co-chairmen Mr. Kenneth Spurling and Mrs. Janette Musson and Chamber of Commerce Executive Vice-President Miss Carolyn Mello have initiated a work shadowing pilot programme aimed at giving second year students exposure to the work place.