Hundreds of students descended on the Bermuda College yesterday for the annual Careers Fair.

With more than 80 booths and exhibits from every sector of Bermudian business, students made a mad dash from one exhibit hall to the next to experience as much as possible.

The fair also included a line-up of international speakers, motivational lectures, demonstrations and networking opportunities for students from senior middle and senior schools.

The Bermuda College?s Technology department was also open, showcasing their new trade opportunities available for students. Companies hosting interactive demonstrations included Belco, Correia Construction Company Limited, Universal Electric and Continental Motors. The Bermuda Fire Service also participated.

The event is sponsored by the ACE Foundation and the Ministry of Education with corporate and local business partners and was opened by Acting Premier Terry Lister and the Minister of Labour, Home Affairs and Public Safety Randy Horton.

?I am pleased to see that the private sector, in the form of the ACE Foundation and its many community partners, has chosen to collaborate with Government to create an event that draws on a diverse pool,? he said.

He said the office of Training and Employment Services is of critical importance in the effort to assist all persons seeking career and employment guidance and they gladly offer all their resources and expertise to such endeavours.

?Training and Employment Services also works closely with guidance counsellors in the schools and the Bermuda College as well as with the Bermuda Careers Centre to channel students and adults who need additional help with their job seeking and working skills,? he said.

Mr. Horton said the Careers Fair was the prime opportunity for students to see, touch, test and dialogue with professionals in the more than 80 different career paths that were represented at the event.

He said by asking questions, he hoped students would gain a deeper insight into their interests and he hoped they would gain a better appreciation of the skills that they needed to develop. ?Business plays a substantial role in the health of our economy. Young Bermudians who wish to make their mark as entrepreneurs need to be encouraged and given assistance to ensure that their educational choices support their career goals,? he said.

Some of these exhibitors included the Bermuda International Business Association, KPMG, Bermuda Hospitals Board, the Language and Arts Institute, Cingular, Belco, CableVision, Dolphin Quest, Logic, Mobility, Air Care Ltd, Bermuda Hotel Association, Bermuda Department of Tourism, Bermuda Chefs Association, Bank of Bermuda, the Registrar General, The Royal Gazette Ltd. and countless others.

Previously the Careers Fair was held at the Number One Shed, but organisers and exhibitors felt the Bermuda College presented a better venue.

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