LOCAL company is banking on an interactive car display at an upcoming careers fair to drum up interest in automotive mechanics ? a field suffering from a world-wide shortage.

The HWP Group will showcase two fully-functional vehicles which qualified mechanics will use to introduce students to "air-bag deployment and real-time diagnostic and troubleshooting assessments of vehicle systems".

The display will take place in the technical centre of the Bermuda College, part of the institution's annual Careers Fair.

"We know that today's students are the next generation of automotive technicians," Jonathan Brewin, president and CEO of HWP, said.

"As such, we believe it is important to generate interest among our youth in automotive studies as a potential career option. Given the shortage of qualified automotive specialists, training as a automotive mechanic offers young people the opportunity to work in a challenging and dynamic environment for competitive salaries, while also progressing their personal career goals."

He acknowledged that the career has been seen for some time as "less than attractive", although in reality, it requires a high degree of skill and ongoing training.

HWP determined to attend the Careers Fair to counter the less favourable impression and generate more interest in automotive mechanics as a potential career option for young men and women.

"At the Careers Fair students will be able to speak to representatives from HWP about the Automotive Technology Apprenticeship Programme, which is offered in conjunction with the National Training Board and the Bermuda College.

"Students will be able to use lap-top computers to test their automotive knowledge through half-hour mechanical training courses offered in conjunction with Honda's online university, thereby earning credits towards Honda technical certification. Importantly, this gives students a hands-on look at the type of online training offered by all of the major automotive vehicle brands, completion of which is necessary to become qualified as an automotive mechanic."

The company also offers a day-release programme in conjunction with CedarBridge Academy that allows students in technical studies to job shadow HWP automotive mechanics.

"There is a real need in Bermuda for highly-skilled automotive technicians," Fernando Oliveira, HWP's vice president of After Sales & New Product Development, said.

"If you are goal-oriented and you want to experience a stimulating career in the automotive industry, I encourage you to visit us at the Careers Fair to explore first-hand, the opportunities and benefits that come with this field of study."