Restaurants and hotels have been urged to come to the rescue of three aspiring young chefs whose careers have been thrown into doubt as a result of Hurricane Fabian.

Seven young Bermudians started their apprenticeships in the week Fabian struck, but they have been unable to continue because the Fairmont Southampton and Sonesta Beach hotels closed down for major repairs.

Elbow Beach, Cambridge Beaches and Aqua restaurant stepped in to take on four, but the other three don't know if they will be able to continue their training.

Stephan Juliusburger, who heads the National Training Board's (NTB) culinary arts committee, pleaded with hotels and restaurants to take on the other three apprentices.

According to Mr. Juliusburger, the youngsters on the Government apprentice scheme - which is in its second year - will be the lifeblood of Bermuda's catering industry in the future and he is worried they will be lost to the business.

"I want to thank the guys who came forward to help, but I want to send a message out that we have three great young Bermudians who have a passion for food that are looking for a place to show off," he told The Royal Gazette.

"Any restaurant or hotel that could help out, it would be really appreciated if they could call and we will send these guys down for an interview.

"We feel this is so important. It was the first year of this scheme last year and we got two people.

"This year we had a much larger appeal and we got seven great, committed young people, and long-term, this is something that could supply the Island with ten to 15 qualified Bermudian chefs a year.

"We are so nervous at the NTB that because it is still new, we will lose the momentum of this unless we as an industry can stand by these guys and give them work."

The apprentices are on a three year course, with Government paying for their training at Bermuda College.

Sonesta and the Fairmont Southampton have indicated they will take them back on when they re-open, but this will probably be next Spring.

Mr. Juliusburger said the hotels or restaurants do not need to commit to the trainees for three years.

However, if the apprentice developed a good relationship and the kitchen wanted to keep them on, that could be arranged.

Anyone who can place the trainees, should call Sarah Carter at the NTB on 295 5151 ext 1716.