The Gleaner Company Ltd. is partnering with 'CHOICES' for a two-day Career and Education Expo, which will take place in Kingston on June 5 and on June 7 in Mandeville. The theme for this year's fair is 'Finding Direction'.

"We are convinced that individuals who make the right career decision make happy employees and this in turn fosters greater productivity," said Angela deFreitas, general manager of CHOICES Career Advice.

The CHOICES Career and Education Expo is the first and only national exposition of its kind in Jamaica. The expo seeks to expose teenagers and young adults to the various career choices surrounding them, and pinpoint all educational opportu-nities that will prepare them for the workforce.

Byron Buckley, Gleaner associate editor, who will be a presenter at the Mandeville leg of the expo, says journalism isone of the "careers of the future". "Journalists will continue to occupy an important place in any society because of the need for information to make a wide variety of decisions," says Buckley.

"Career counselling, as important as it is to the future success of these young people, we must aim to reach a point in our development where every student is able to have a one-on-one counselling session with a career counsellor before leaving school," deFreitas added.

At the Expo visitors will also be able to:

Participate in clinics on interview etiquette, résumé writing and grooming.

Be a part of the official opening ceremony to be addressed by Lenworth Fulton, executive director of the Jamaica 4H Clubs in Kingston.

Get one-to-one career counselling from a professional in a specially-designated area.

Hear career talks by people in the business.

Talk with exhibitors at over 50 booths on future study and career options.

Have the chance of registering to be on The Susan Show.

Enjoy an interesting stage programme, including karaoke contest, at the end of the day.

Take part in the schools' general knowledge quiz and win prizes.

Find a career path suited to your own ambitions and aspirations.

It is expected that over 4,000 visitors will attend the expo in both locations over the two-day period, with the core group being age 13-18. Over 50 exhibitors will participate from both public and private sector entities.

jobsmart@gleanerjm.com

Expo schedule

Tuesday, June 5

Hilton Kingston hotel

Thursday, June 7

Golf View Hotel, Mandeville

Theme: 'Finding Direction'

Expo hours

Kingston

9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Mandeville

10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Contact: Angela deFreitas; Tel.: 925-0804/924-7473.

Special seminar for guidance counsellors, principals, teachers and parents

Tuesday, June 5 - Kingston only - 'Finding Direction' Presenters: Dr. Leahcim Semaj and Mrs. Marcia Hamilton.

Motivational seminars for teens from age 15

Thursday, June 7 - Mandeville only

'Reach For The Stars'

Presenter: Dr. Kingsley 'Ragashanti' Stewart.