new job market demands, according to college Chairman Jan Spiering.

But he reinforced Bermuda College's commitment to developing "properly trained'' hoteliers and trade-qualified professionals, including communications technicians.

A US consulting firm will review the College, and its procedures and policies, in a move to modernise the post-secondary institution, said Mr. Spiering.

He said there was a "significant shift from hospitality to business and a worldwide shift in technology'' and the College must achieve "value'' for its stakeholders.

The consulting firm has previously worked with the Education Department and will conduct an estimated four-month investigation.

Mr. Spiering said: "Basically it's a management audit and they will be reviewing the structures within the College as well as policies and procedures at the College.

"The organisation needs to change to meet the needs of the people it serves on an ongoing basis and to make sure it will meet the needs of the particular time,'' he said.

The current trend in the Bermuda job market is toward supporting and servicing international business after the "shift'' in Bermuda's industries, said Mr.

Spiering.

"The main area will be in financial services in international business and the technology that services those services,'' he said.

And the growing communications industry, which includes companies such as Global Crossing and Cable & Wireless, needs professionals who understand modern equipment, said Mr. Spiering.

He said the idea for an audit originated in the Bermuda College.

"The former board of directors, before this year's, had discussed this audit with the (education) Ministry and that's where it started.

"The current Board confirmed that they like and plan to have the audit completed as soon as we can,'' said Mr. Spiering.

"I would anticipate, with the process itself and the time it takes to develop the report, we should have something within four months' time,'' he added.

Mr. Spiering said the consulting firm's previous experience in Bermuda would be an asset and it is expected to formulate a plan as to how to go about the audit.

He also said the College's student body would be involved by de facto.

"The student body will be involved because the consultants will be looking at all the stake-holders,'' said Mr. Spiering.

Stakeholders include all those who derive interests from the College's well-being, including Government, parents and students, he said.

"I think the college needs to deliver value for money. And it needs to deliver it with regard to that which makes the most sense to the needs of Bermuda.

"The College has to be flexible enough to meet those changing needs,'' he said.