ENDLESS job opportunities were on display for the 1400 students who attended the careers expo at the Genesis Recreation Centre yesterday. Event organiser John Bush said the expo was "knowledge-based" as opposed to the practical expo held in March and the apprenticeship day planned for November. "Today is all about helping thekids gather information on how they can proceed to get into different work and study and what pathways they need to take." A number of different tertiary groups, including universities, polytechnics and industry training organisations as well as local businesses, were involved in the expo, he said. "The Masterton Trust Lands Trust sponsored a dinner at Solway for all the exhibitors and principals of the schools to create a relaxed environment, which gave them all an opportunity, without kids around, to share knowledge and talk about the expo." Mr Bush said the District Health Board and Tranzit were first-time participators at the workshop, "where the numbers were slightly down on last year after a few last-minute withdrawals". A Japanese drum team from the International Pacific College in Palmerston North provided loud and impressive entertainment, he said. "The college asked us if they could come along and perform at the expo. They were really keen to be a part of it and it's great for them to come along and show their support for the Wairarapa." Bruce Buchanan Training Academy had an excavator at the expo that the students were able to drive and collect a drink from a water-filled trough using the machine. Plant manager John Murphy said the girls were the best drivers of the day. "They have less bravado and take the time to concentrate. Their movements are much more fluid and the top student at the training academy last year was even a woman."
