Government is making steady progress toward meeting its goal of reducing by 100 the number of work permits for waiter/servers, thanks to a new training course.And, according to Karla Lacey, CEO of the Bermuda Hospitality Institute which plays a coordinating role for the programme, young black men in particular are taking advantage of the opportunity.Launched in November, the programme consists of an introductory session and a free four week, full-time course held at the Bermuda College has graduated nine people, four of whom have already secured full time employment.Another 23 Bermudians began the programme this week.Bermudians interested in taking the course first have to register their interest with the Department of Labour and Training, and then take part in an Industry Introduction session coordinated by the Bermuda Hospitality Institute.The two and a half-hour introductory sessions serve as a reality check for the registrants and is conducted by Bermudian industry professionals.“The working men and women who take the time to share their experiences with potential program participants in the Industry Introduction sessions are truly ambassadors for the wait severs profession”, said Kellianne Smith Human Resources Chairperson of the Bermuda Hotel Association. “They make it clear to all that it’s a noble profession that requires the right attitude and skills that can take years to refine.”Ms Smith added that guests are keen to experience “local flavour and the Bermudian culture” when they come to the Island.“There is an expectation of finding a Bermudian server when they dine in a restaurant.”Just over 100 attended the first batch of introductory sessions held in November and January and a total of 47 were subsequently accepted into the course. Another 27 have been placed on a wait list and will be receiving further career counselling with Labour and Training before a final decision is made.The waiter/server course is actually the Bermuda College’s Dining Associates programme which is normally a part time evening programme but was turned into a full time day time programme for the purposes of the Government initiative.The BHI-developed Industry Introduction gives people a chance to learn about the industry to see if they are really suited for a waiter’s job. It also allows the industry professionals to assess their suitability.“Everybody in the industry is on board with this programme,” said BHI CEO Karla Lacey. “But we don’t want to see people waste their time and come out on the other end and not get employed.”Students in the course have to attend the full programme and pass an international exam in order to be certified.A new programme starts every two weeks.“I totally support the Government’s objectives which meshes with ours, to encourage Bermudians into the industry,” said Ms Lacey.“And if it means that they have to have training and a standard level of entry and Government has made a way for that to happen, that’s a pretty big deal.”She added: “It’s been a very eye-opening experience, to get a full look at the unemployed and the underemployed and what I’ve really liked about it is there have been a number of young black men who have come through the programme and really expressed an interest and, with very few exceptions, they’ve all gotten in the programme.”She said the programme attracts a diverse group but among the younger people, men dominate.Besides the Industry Introductions, the BHI also coordinates START, an internationally recognised 180 hour programme for high school students which guarantees graduates full time summer positions within the hospitality industry.And a hospitality school programme is due to start next week in six primary schools and one Middle school.