More than 300 people have applied to “reinvent themselves” as waiters and servers in a Government and industry course.The project, a joint partnership between Government, Bermuda Hotel Association and the Chamber of Commerce’s restaurant division, aims to give people new basic skills in food, wine and beverage service.Of the 300 that want to sign up, 45 have already been screened, with 15 having embarked on their first course at Bermuda College, Economy Minister Patrice Minors told the House of.“Honourable members will be aware that over the years Bermudians have opted out of the hospitality industry for any number of reasons,” said Mrs Minors in a Ministerial Statement.“Some argue that as the economy diversified there were greater opportunities in other areas. Others argue that as the people of Bermuda became more sophisticated they began to equate service with servitude and no longer were willing to work in what was perceived as a labour intensive industry.“The Bermudian talent drain from this sector has resulted in a scenario wherein, among other job categories, records show that there are in excess of 400 waiter/server work permits issued annually.“This number can increase to as many as 600 work permits when one considers the issuance of seasonal work permits that may be issued during the peak tourist season.“The significant reliance on overseas labour in this category presents a tremendous opportunity for Bermudians and Bermuda.“On the one hand it highlights that jobs are available for those willing to reinvent themselves and it also provides an opportunity to reintroduce the Bermudian experience to the front-line thereby positively impacting our visitor’s cultural experience.”The Minister said one aim is to “help the unemployed reinvent themselves”, so they can work within the current job market.She said: “For most, it means starting a programme to upgrade or change their skills. For some, it means taking a job that they may feel is below their skill level, while they learn new skills to meet the requirements for a better paying job.”The waiter/server programme is designed to reduce the number of work permits by 100, said Mrs Minors.It is designed for those with minimum dining room experience, and has a mandatory requirement for participants to engage in soft skills training on teaching time management, proper work ethic, communication styles and workplace diversity.Mrs Minors said: “The Ministry encourages Bermudians to recognise the value of education and training as an integral part of meeting the needs of the labour market now and in the future.“This programme is proof positive that, in the short-term, this Government is helping Bermudians to adjust to the changing labour market so that they can secure jobs.“Our plan is to continue to work with employers more closely because it is in everyone’s best interest to employ more Bermudians. Our collective role in employing Bermudians is critical to the sustainability of the Country.“To be clear, this is but one programme in one industry sector, it is anticipated that similar programmes in other sectors will follow.”