More than 1600 people passed through the doors of Masterton's Rec-centre for the eighth Wairarapa Careers Expo held over Sunday and Monday.
Among them were Ucol automotive engineering students Earlton Mita-Waata and Alex Yardley checking out an army LAV3 infantry mobility vehicle.
Aside from the fact the two are clearly interested in
engines, the army could also be a distinct career option for the keen pair providing training, travel and the opportunity to serve New Zealand.
"We just found out there's opportunities in the army for automotive engineers at the army logistics trade training school in Trentham," Mr Mita-Waata said.
Mr Yardley, too, is considering joining the armed forces and training at Trentham. "One of the reasons I'm thinking about it is that you could go overseas and make a difference in the world give up something for your country," he said.
This year's expo featured 48 exhibitors from tertiary institutes and universities, the agricultural sector, trade organisations and the armed forces among others, plus five new exhibitors including representatives from Rimutaka Prison. "It's been really good, really successful," Corrections officer Michelle Hyde said. The most common question asked was about what training is required in order to become a Corrections officer it's six weeks followed by an exam. The next most popular inquiry was the safety of the job, which Ms Hyde said was much safer than is portrayed by the media. "It's a safe job, of course there's always going to be the odd time when it all turns to putty but managed well you don't get any problems I love my job," she said.
Event organiser John Bush said Sunday's attendance was the best ever with 603 mainly parents and families showing up. Yesterday's event targeted Wairarapa secondary school students and Mr Bush said he expected more than 1000 students through the expo with support from their teachers.
He said one of the key components of the expo was an exhibitor dinner held by "the three groups that make it happen" the Wairarapa Workforce Development Trust, Masterton Trust Lands Trust and Wairarapa REAP at the Copthorne Solway.
"This year we had 110 people. It's a way for exhibitors to talk away from the exhibition timetable. It's become a very big part of the event," Mr Bush said.
