CHRISTMAS came early for CedarBridge auto technology students yesterday, as HWP donated a brand-new car to the school for studying purposes.

The school took delivery of the Honda Fit and according to instructor Charles Nelson, who teaches CedarBridge's budding car mechanics, it will be a huge boost and open up employment opportunities for the youngsters.

"At the moment, all we have to work on is a big van," Mr. Nelson said. "Now we'll have a small vehicle to work on and the students will be able to see what I'm talking about when I'm teaching in class."

The Fit is an up-to-date model and that will help the children appreciate that modern cars require mechanics to have much more technical knowledge than in years past.

"In the 21st century, mechanics need to know about much more than just the moving parts," Mr. Nelson said. "Virtually everything is computerised and the students will now be able to experience that first hand.

"Right now, some of the old mechanics are a little afraid of the new vehicles. If you don't have the technical knowledge, you can find yourself outdated."

CedarBridge also offers opportunities to young auto students to meet local potential employers. Mr. Nelson said the industry offered good employment prospects as the demand for mechanics would last as long as the existence of vehicles.

"Last week I had a few of my students at HWP and the service manager spoke to them," Mr. Nelson said. "He asked them, 'Would you like to come and join us'? I could see the glint in their eyes."

The car was handed over to the school yesterday. The HWP Group and Honda USA have backed up the donation with the provision of training materials.

Education Minister Terry Lister said: "A 'hands-on' learning experience puts into practice everything our students have been taught in the classroom. We are grateful to HWP and Honda USA for this gift. We are also grateful to BEST shipping, who kindly waived their shipping charges to import the vehicle. Our thanks to BCL who also generously waived their charges."

Michael Stowe, executive director of the National Training Board (NTB), said working on the car would give students the skills to be able to work on day release with HWP.

HWP's chief operating officer Alan Brooks said: "Students who come to us as part of this programme, either on day release or on summer employment, are viewed as potential employees.

"We monitor their progress and aptitude. It usually takes six months before we can properly assess them.

"We are very keen to assist in getting the message to young Bermudians that to be a motor technician is a worthwhile trade. We would welcome more students getting involved in this important part of the island's workforce."