For the last five years Community Futures Sunshine Coast, in partnership with Chatelech Secondary School, has been connecting Grade 10 students to real people with real careers on the Sunshine Coast.
Throughout the morning of next Wednesday, March 30, students will have the opportunity to talk to people from a variety a variety of businesses, trades, and professions at the fifth annual Chat Career Fair. Through a combination of presentations from exhibitors on their career and time to talk to exhibitors individually, students find out what they do in their jobs, what education and experience they have and what they should be considering if they are interested in pursuing a career in that field.
The career fair has grown from 40 presenters representing 24 different career fields in 2007 to more than 50 presenters representing 32 careers in 2010.
Each year the feedback from exhibitors and students has been enthusiastic and positive.
"Many of our exhibitors return every year because they enjoyed talking with the students," said career fair co-ordinator Diane Hill. "We very much appreciate people taking time out of their work day to support career exploration for our youth."
Chat teacher Drew Murphy has supported the idea from the beginning. He helped set up the event so it would be meaningful for students, provides feedback and suggestions to keep it current and prepares the students to meet the presenters so they will get the most out of the day.
"Drew shares our interest in connecting the community to students and is great working with him," added Hill.
This year's career fair falls right in the middle of Education Week. There are four spots left for presenters. Anyone interested is asked to contact Hill at Community Futures at 604-885-1959, ext. 228 or [email protected].
-Submitted
