STUDENTS from the Institute of Technical Education (ITE) were such a big hit at last year's Singapore Grand Prix that race organisers are inviting them back - in much greater numbers.
For each of the next four years that the race is held here under the current contract, 1,000 students will be selected to perform various duties, such as customer service officers and information ambassadors.
There is a bonus for the students: Besides being in the thick of the action at the glamorous event, they will get to pick up skills relevant to their courses - and they will be paid.
Singapore GP (SGP), the race promoter, will put up $500,000 each year to train and pay the selected students.
At the signing ceremony of a Memorandum of Understanding with ITE yesterday, SGP executive director Michael Roche said 50 students were deployed last year.
They helped to welcome patrons, manage the crowd and direct corporate guests, and he said they displayed such a positive attitude that SGP decided to work with them on a larger scale.
Ms Sarah Martin, SGP's director of operations, added: "The pioneer batch of 50 students performed very well, despite being roped in at the very last minute.
"They displayed tremendous enthusiasm, were fast learners, and coped well with the rigours of this highly demanding international-level event."
For this year's race, from Sept 25 to 27, the 1,000 students needed will be selected from among those who are taking the Higher Nitec in Business Studies (event management), Higher Nitec in Business Studies (administration) and other relevant ITE courses.
They will be chosen based on teachers' recommendations, their attendance, interest, grades and conduct.
Said Ms Charissa Nair, an ITE lecturer in charge of the project: "The chosen students represent ITE and Singapore. Therefore, they must be the best. We will confirm the list of students soon."
Students who took part last year will form part of this year's team.
The training programme, which will begin in June, includes Workforce Skills Qualifications (WSQ) training, and successful ITE candidates will receive nationally recognised WSQ certificates.
SGP will also offer e-training and training at the site of the race.
Students will get to pick up principles behind hospitality, customer service and events management, specifically of international sporting events, which could be a boon to them in the future.
As for how much they will be paid, a lot will depend on what the students end up doing.
But wages will include CPF contributions, insurance and a transport allowance.
Meals will also be provided.
Mr Lim Der Shing, the chief executive officer of JobsCentral.com.sg, an online recruitment agency, said that salaries for those engaged for events usually range from $6 to $10 an hour.
Matilda Ho, a second-year student from the Higher Nitec in Business Studies (event management) was delighted to be part of the race again.
She was an usher for corporate guests last year.
Said the 19-year-old: "It was great fun, and this time round, we will get training and learn skills which can be transferred to other uses in future.
