Sergeant Carlos Gordon of the Fire Prevention Division of the Jamaica Fire Brigade assists fifth-grade student of the Donald Quarrie High School, Omar Roberts, to try on a fire helmet at the Choices Career Expo at the Hilton hotel, New Kingston, yesterday. - Ricardo Makyn/Staff Photographer

Amitabh Sharma, Features Coordinator

All roads led to the Hilton Kingston yesterday but, for a change, this swanky hotel swarmed with gleaming faces in school uniforms.

Students, accompanied by their teachers from across the city, came down to be informed of what career path they could choose or options that would come their way.

The theme for this year's CHOICES Career and Education Expo was 'Finding Direction'. The expo aims to expose teenagers and young adults to a variety of career choices, as well as to skills and educational opportunities that will equip them for the workforce.

"I believe that the theme is appropriatein the context of a world that is complex and challenging," said Maxine Henry-Wilson, Minister of Education and Youth. "With the rapidly changing world, we have to adjust our way of thinking and acting in the global environment."

The visitors started lining the corridors of the hotel before the start of the exhibition.

"I had difficulty in getting to the hall as the gates were packed," remarked a participant.

"It has been an overwhelming response," said Angela deFreitas, general manager of CHOICES and the organiser of the event.

50 exhibitors

There were 50 exhibitors that participated from both the public and private sector. While the conference rooms were buzzing with talks by experts in various fields, the exhibition participants were on their toes, answering the queries of inquisitive teenagers and explaining the intricacies of working in their sector.

The booth of The Gleaner Company was surrounded by visitors who eagerly listened to what the company had to offer.

"Our partnership with the CHOICES Expo is an expression of our continued commitment to education and youth development," said Karin Cooper, corporate affairs and marketing manager at The Gleaner Company Limited.

While the main exhibition area was abuzz with activities, a one-to-one career counselling session by Dr. Leahcim Semaj and talks by experts designed to give insight into the various career options, were taking place concurrently.

Students also had a chance to experience and get a feel of the classroom of the future by the E-Learning Jamaica project.

The steady flow of visitors was an indicator of the success of the expo.

"There has been an overwhelming response," said deFreitas, "I think we will have to look into expanding the expo in the future."

She added: "This year, we decided to have two expos instead of one. We are having a second expo in Mandeville for the benefit of people in the western region."

"I have learnt a lot today and enjoyed it," said Kemeisha, rushing out to catch up with her schoolmates. "I hope that there are some more of these exhibitions. It will be very helpful."

CHOICES Career Expo will be held at Golf View Hotel, in Mandeville, tomorrow.

amitabh.sharma@gleanerjm.com