High school students were able to learn about potential career paths in many different fields at the National Training Board's (NTB) "Reinvent Yourself Expo".

The event, held at the Bermuda College auditorium last Thursday, featured about 20 businesses and Government departments seeking future Bermudian employees.

According to Pandora Glasford, the Executive Officer of the NTB, the goal of the expo was to expose young Bermudians to careers and assist unemployed people with finding work.

"The goal here is to try and get people to explore different ideas and think outside of the box," she said. "In addition we are launching our apprenticeship programme. The programme connects students with employers to prepare them for the workplace and to learn new skills. The NTB then helps them connect with employers to find a job."

Stratton Hatfield, of Bermuda Air Care, said there are lots of opportunities for young Bermudians who are able to think outside of the box.

"There is more to employment in Bermuda than just international business," he said. "It is important for young people to realise that industry runs Bermuda. Trade work is extremely important for the sustainability of this Island and there are tons of opportunities for employment in trade fields."

Marine and Ports was also represented at the expo. Mario Thomas, a ship pilot for Marine and Ports, said that employment with the Government department is not limited to ferries and tugboats.

"Working at Marine and Ports we have electricians, mechanics, welders and others," he said. "We operate between Dockyard and St. George's and we are in charge of taking care of both Gibb's Hill and St. David's lighthouses and Bermuda Maritime Operations (Harbour Radio)."

Also represented at the expo were more creative fields such as Bermuda Bench Jewelers who put on a jewellery making display and Bermuda Clayworks.

"Our goal today is to encourage these kids to be creative and to indulge in creative things," said Rachel Furbert of Clayworks. "We want to encourage people to realise that there are opportunities of making a living by creative means."

Damon Wade, general manager of Bermuda Gas, spoke on the importance of having a Bermudian workforce. According to Mr. Wade it is extremely important for a Bermudian business to employ Bermudians.

"Our goal is to keep developing our employees to the industry standard," he said. "It is important to keep training Bermudians so that we are not dependent on overseas resources and employees."

The Bermuda Sloop Foundation and the Duke of Edinburgh booths represented the life-skills section of the Expo.

"These great programmes help create well rounded individuals and mentors inside and outside of the home or workplace."