The first ever Bermuda National Career Expo has been hailed a success by both organisers and participants.

Hosted by the Business Education Partnership (BEP) and held at CedarBridge Academy yesterday, the Expo brought students together ideas and advice on a wide range of careers. Students from public and private secondary schools Island-wide were able to meet with members of the local work force who volunteered to showcase their particular careers.

Representatives from 90 occupations were on hand, showcasing careers as diverse as firefighting, beauty therapy, marine biology, embalming, and law.

Education officer and BEP co-chairman, Janette Musson, said the Expo was an overwhelming success and similar events would definitely be held in the future.

"The interest was high and a lot of students came out,'' Mrs. Musson said.

"It is difficult to say which career was most popular because interests are like people, they are very unique.

"But we have had positive feedback and we intend on continuing. Although we are not yet sure whether the Expos will be held annually or bi-annually.'' She added that she was proud of the efforts made by the business community and pleased to see so many young people taking the time to attend.

Career expo a winner with students Visitor Industry Partnership administrator Suzanne DeCouto was also thrilled with the level of student interest.

"In our section there was a lot of interaction, so the kids got to get involved with our representatives,'' she explained. "We had chefs giving out samples as well as demonstrations on napkin folding, bed making and garnishing.'' Anthony Philip of the lawfirm, Appleby, Spurling & Kempe, said there was a "steady flow'' of students at firm's stall throughout the day: "They wanted to know more about going into law and most were really shocked to find out that AS&K offers more than just jobs for legal lawyers.'' And Harry Kast of Certified General Accountants Association of Bermuda said he was impressed with the amount of students considering accounting careers: "Bermuda is screaming for accountants,'' he said. "This is one profession that is really in demand and I'm glad to see so many students thinking about pursuing it.'' Students had their own take on the day: "The Expo has helped me to learn a lot,'' Keiva Maronie, 16, told The Royal Gazette . "I had asked my mother and my counsellor about different careers and they gave me some information, but nothing compared to what I learned here.'' She said she was excited to share information she had collected on insurance and architecture with her brother and friend who were unable to attend.

Jonea Paynter, also 16, said: "I enjoyed it. I especially like the medical and international business areas.

"The Expo opened me up to new careers that I hadn't thought about going into before.'' And 17-year-old Selina Ming said she was "very impressed'' with the number of careers represented at the Expo.

"I've been to a few other expos in the past, but this one was more informative and had a lot more careers to view,'' she explained. "It was the best career fair I've ever been to.''