Whanganui high school students got to glimpse a wide range of tertiary study and career options at Jubilee Stadium on Friday.
The Trades and Industry careers expo, organised by youth co-ordinator Jason Shailer, was a chance for Year 10 students to explore their future options.
"They are deciding which NCEA options they want to study and this is good exposure for them.
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"They get to do some practical tests to see if they have an aptitude for certain jobs as well as seeing what sort of qualifications they need."
The Ag Challenge booth offered students the chance to test their hammer skills and there was even opportunity to use a nail gun.
Those who did a good job were rewarded with chocolate frogs and students who excelled got to take a mini wooden crate home.
The New Zealand International Commercial Pilot Academy was offering flight simulation on a laptop with jet plane lollies on offer as prizes.
"The flight school is a great career option for local kids," said Mr Shailer.
"The fees may seem high compared to other courses but when you look at what commercial pilots earn, it would not take long to repay a student loan."
UCOL apiculture tutor Jake Schultz was attracting a lot of interest, telling students about the beekeeping and sustainable agriculture programmes he teaches.
Mr Shailer is the co-ordinator of the 100% Sweet initiative launched by former mayor Annette Main in 2014.
He was appointed to co-ordinate the programme a year ago and said he feels he is working at capacity now.
Mr Shailer has been taking an "ambulance at the top of the cliff" approach to help young people find a pathway before they leave school as well as working with youth who are not engaged in employment or education.
"We are working on a passport programme which gives young people a checklist of what they need."
Mr Shailer is based at the Youth Services Trust offices on Drews Ave and can be contacted at sweetwhanganui@gmail.com or 021 068 3057.