The Tribune

By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

HIGH school students on Grand Bahama explored a wide range of professions at a career fair organised by St George’s High School to expose them to opportunities available on the island.

Held under the theme “What's Your Color?”, the event took place on Thursday in the school’s gymnasium, bringing together students in Grades 9 through 12 from several public schools, including Sister Mary Patricia Junior High and Jack Hayward High.

Students interacted with professionals from various fields, with career paths represented by seven colours to help them make informed decisions about their futures using a seven-colour career passport.

Representatives from the private sector, government agencies and educational institutions participated, including The Tribune, ZNS Northern Service, Grand Bahama Power Company, the Freeport Meteorological Office, Sanctuary Bay, the Royal Bahamas Police Force, Grand Bahama Health Services, the University of The Bahamas, Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI), Cable Bahamas, the Insurance Commission, the Department of Social Services and Bahamas Air Navigation Services Authority (BANSA).

Guidance counsellor Carlene Davis-Williams said the initiative was designed to take a different approach to traditional career fairs, where only a limited number of students may have the opportunity to attend.

“Usually, when there’s a career fair, a lot of kids don’t get an opportunity to visit the fair.

“So, we decided to bring the fair to the students,” she said.

She explained that the event used colours to represent different career clusters, allowing students to identify areas of interest and explore professions associated with each category.

"The idea was to make career exploration more engaging and encourage students to conduct their own research into the fields that interest them," she said.

Ms Davis-Williams thanked the Grand Bahama organisations that participated, providing information, interactive sessions and demonstrations.

She said representatives from a diverse range of professions were invited, including the Freeport Meteorological Office, which introduced students to meteorology and career opportunities in the field.

Sanctuary Bay, which fell under the green category, provided information for students interested in marine biology, while BANSA introduced them to various aviation careers, including air traffic services and airport operations.

Ms Davis-Williams said this year’s event was expanded to include Grade 9 students.

“We wanted them to begin exploring career options before transitioning to senior high school, particularly because many young people are still uncertain about what they want to pursue,” she said.

She stressed the importance of career fairs in exposing students to professions they may not have previously considered.

“When you ask some students what they want to become, they often say a lawyer or a doctor,” she said.

“The career fair provides an opportunity to broaden their horizons and spark an interest in professions they may not have previously considered,” said Davis-Williams .

Ms Davis-Williams said the initiative helped students better understand the career opportunities available to them so they could begin planning for their futures while still in school.