MEF Ltd, better known as The Little Venice Group, launched a pilot trainee programme in November, and this week seven recipients graduated and received job placements in the company, and three received certificates of participation.

An awards ceremony was held at the Harbourfront restaurant, where Jason Hayward, Minister of Labour, thanked MEF for collaborating with the Government under the leadership of Dr Patricia Chapman, from the Department of Workforce Development.

Emilio Barbieri, MEF chairman, said: “Back in the Seventies, my partner Jacky DiMeglio and I set up trainee programmes that sent young Bermudians overseas to train and gain experience in the hospitality industry. Fast forward to today, we saw a need for on-island training to get more Bermudians into the Hospitality industry and introduced this intense four-month program that had the full support of the Government led by the Ministry of Labour, specifically Minister Jason Hayward, and the Department of Workforce Development.”

Running the programme was the new generation of DiMeglios – Jacky’s daughters Stefania and Sabrina DiMeglio. Stefania’s many years of experience in the hospitality industry and Sabrina’s background in teaching and HR were the perfect combination. Over the course of four months, participants did online coursework along with hands on training in different MEF restaurants.

Stefania DiMeglio, COO said: “We look forward to holding more programs in the future and encouraging young Bermudians to enter this rewarding industry.”

To learn more about the Little Venice Group of restaurants visit www.diningbermuda.com