The job industry in Bermuda is littered with opportunities, but for those who aim to be personal assistants, one law firm is attempting to groom its own future employees.

Conyers Dill & Pearman (CD&P) has set up the Rotation And Mentoring Programme (RAMP). The programme is a 24-month development programme in partnership with the Bermuda College's Professional and Career Development Education Programme (PACE).

Students who graduate from RAMP will be certified legal secretaries via the ILEX programme, explained CD&P human resources manager Lisa Spencer-Arscott.

The current group of students from RAMP are Chantia Davis, of the Adult Education School, Keivana Burgess, of Berkeley Institute, and Shellicia McKenzie-Simons, of CedarBridge Academy.

The students were selected by Bermuda College. Several candidates were interviewed with the assistance of high school counsellors. The selection criteria was based on academic achievement as well as communication skills and professionalism.

"The three commenced the ILEX programme on July 7," said Mrs. Spencer-Arscott. "They attend classes at Bermuda College on Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays and on Wednesdays and Thursdays they come to Conyers Dill & Pearman to gain work and practical experience in the topics covered in class with the assistance of their assigned mentors.

"The Conyers Dill & Pearman Mentors are Andrea Talbot, Gaynor Fries, Emma Muggleton, Cindy Murray and Deborah Robertson."