drive home to them the importance of tourism on the local economy has proved a resounding success.

Sonesta Beach Hotel had invited 16 students in their final year at Sandys Secondary School to take part in a two-week internship at the resort while awaiting their exam results.

The unpaid work programme drew to a close yesterday with several students being offered full-time jobs for the summer. One student applied for a full time job in the engineering department.

Sonesta human resources director Mrs. Teri Seymour said students were so eager to stay on, the hotel had created jobs for some of them.

"All of them were interested and motivated,'' Mrs. Seymour said. "One student came for just the last two days because her friends had been raving about it and she wanted to see what it was like.'' The students worked in the hotel's kitchens and accounts, housekeeping, engineering, purchasing and food and beverage departments.

Marcel Dill, 17, said the experience he gained as a bar porter had helped him prepare for his ultimate career goal.

"I want to be a physical education teacher. This job has helped prepare me for that because I had to find different ways to deal with problems.'' Charlie Simms, 18, who wants to go into the culinary trade, said he found the programme exciting.

"Working in the kitchen at Sonesta has taught me several important tricks of the trade,'' he said.

For example, "I learned that when you are cutting a cake, always put the knife in hot water first for a cleaner cut.'' The 16 students celebrated the end of their two week internship at Sonesta with a special lunch attended by Education Minister the Hon. Clarence Terceira.

"The programme shows them what is like to be an adult in Bermuda,'' Dr.

Terceira remarked.

The internship was part of a programme which Sandys Secondary started last year.

This was the first year Sonesta, which recently "adopted the school'', joined the programme.

Headmaster Mr. Melvyn Bassett said it was "vital for students to have a chance to participate in our bread and butter industry''.

Mrs. Seymour said the hotel hoped to continue the programme and maybe expand it to include a day-release programme.

"I don't think (students) realise all (the hotel industry) has to offer,'' she said. "The internship gives them an opportunity to see if working in a hotel is what they want.'' The programme was initially suggested by school guidance counsellor Mr. Walter Stevens.

GOOD ADVICE -- Student Charlie Simms, right, gets some tips in Sonesta's kitchen.