The Bermuda Hospitality Institute and Fairmont Southampton have joined forces to host a networking event for students interested in hospitality.

High school seniors and Bermuda College students will be able to learn about educational and job opportunities available in the hospitality industry.

Malika Cartwright, BHI executive director, said: “We are thrilled to be hosting next week’s event in partnership with Fairmont Southampton.

“The goal is to provide young people with greater insight into the fast-paced and rewarding world of hospitality, so they can determine if such careers would be a good fit for them.

Ms Cartwright said the event is open to students who are interested in hospitality and those curious to know more about what the industry entails.

She added: “Through Fairmont Southampton, we are also able to provide a rare opportunity for young people to jump-start their careers by potentially securing a job in hospitality for next summer.”

Local chef Michiko Campbell and food and beverage function manager Jaja Millet, both from the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club, will be guest speakers.

The event also will feature round table discussions, networking opportunities and door prizes. Parents and students are welcome to attend.

Department of Workforce Development representatives will discuss scholarships available for aspiring industry professionals.

And Jamahl Simmons, economic development and tourism minister, will also attend.

Ashjuanna Thomas, learning and development manager at Fairmont Southampton, said: “Fairmont Southampton is currently under a cultural transformation with our parent company AccorHotels leading the journey, and with that we have embarked on accepting the identity that we are a career destination.

“As the second largest employer on island we want to ensure that we are creating a path for our young Bermudians and partnering with BHI is the least of what we could do.

“I am particularly fond of this event as I volunteered at BHI’s very first networking event in 2009 as a student table host, and now am able to join the event as an industry professional.”

She added: “We are looking forward to being able to meet our future industry leaders who will one day be taking over our roles.”

The hotel wants to fill 20 positions with summer students in areas including conference services, beach and pools, accounts, food and beverage, engineering, front office and housekeeping.

Ms Thomas added: “We are looking for students who are highly motivated, open to learning, passionate, possess a positive attitude, and who are natural team players.

“We can teach the skills, but it’s the right attitude and positive personal qualities that will take them far in the hospitality industry.”

The 2017 Networking Event will be held on Wednesday in the hotel’s Gardenia Rooms from 4pm to 7pm.

• Interested participants should RSVP by Monday. To register, visit www.fairmontcareers.com.