STUDENTS ENCOURAGED TO CHOOSE CAREER PATH IN ENVIRONMENT Friday 24th February 2012
The platform was set for students to explore careers in the field of environment, exchange ideas with professionals, retrieve information on summer internship and possible projects during the second annual careers day, held Thursday at the Multipurpose Cultural Centre.
Organized as part of the ongoing Environment Cadet Program students representing approximately four (4) schools were encouraged to consider careers in the field of environment.
This year, the event was held under the theme “Green Opportunities.”
“The critical thing is also engaging youth. We want them to move their passion for the environment beyond their high school experience. We want their lives to change as a result of activities such as these,” said Arica Hill, the Environment Education Officer.
Approximately 70 students were in attendance from the Jennings Secondary, St. Mary’s Centre Of Excellence Secondary School, Antigua Grammar School and the Pares Secondary.
The careers day comprised presenters from government, and private organizations and youth volunteers, providing students with useful information, career advice and many potential career, job and volunteer opportunities. In addition, the day also included presentations by speakers from various sectors in the environmental field.
They discussed and answered questions from students about their present job, how they got there and the key next steps needed for advancing one's career before and after graduation, such as volunteering, and seeking training courses and programs to obtain specific skills.
Speakers from diverse, environment-related organizations and fields shared their extensive experience among them included Environment Officer Ruleta Camacho, Forestry Officer Adriel Thibou, Fisheries Officer Tricia Lovell, Communications Co-ordinator Onika Campbell, Eco –Tour Operator Eli Fuller, Environment Education Officer Arica Hill, Project Engineer Girvan Pigott and Architect Denise George. This in an effort to continue with the development of students as they plan their futures as well as meet and network with people from a range of environmental organizations.
“We feel that the day was a success. The children got a lot of information that is not usually readily available. Even the presenters found it to be a worthwhile day, saying that they were able to see sides of the professions that they had not thought about. I look forward to planning another day like this next year, “said Hill.
Students were provided with handbook on how to start their career in various environment related field, as well as sources of additional information and links.
The Environment Division is a department in the Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, Housing & the Environment.
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