High schoolers from all over Southeast Cornerstone School Division contemplating their prospective careers, checked out some of the options that are available to them, last Thursday.
Students in Grade 10, 11 and 12 flocked the gym at Estevan Comprehensive School to consult with representatives and experts from assorted post-secondary institutions and organizations, at a career fair. The day featured numerous exhibits and panels hosted by representatives of institutions ranging from the University of Lethbridge to the RCMP. Panels put on throughout the day were hosted by professionals, including pharmacists, an ultrasound technician, a welder, an auto mechanic, and electrician and power engineer, all sharing information and answering any questions. Presenters hailing from all across Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Alberta, British Columbia and numerous states south of the U.S. border were on hand throughout the day, to inform students of what options await them upon completion of high school.
“It’s awesome. There are so many different schools you can learn about, with all the programs you could ever want,” said Cheyenne Odgers, a Grade 11 student browsing the stands set up in the gym, on Thursday morning. “It’s useful, especially if you’re a Grade 11 and trying to figure out what you want to do after high school.”
Stacy Dutka, a teacher and academic advisor at ECS who co-ordinated the event, noted that although there were only 55 booths set up, there were over 100 presenters giving information to students throughout the day.
“I think it’s good for the students to have the option to have specific questions for an institution they’re already interested in,” said Dutka. “A lot of people say this is great for the Grade 12s, which it definitely is, but it’s also good for the Grade 11s, because they’re the ones that might be undecided and sitting on the fence, and it gives them a glimpse, and they think, ‘Oh, I never thought of this.’”
Dutka noted she was very pleased with the turnout of presenters, community members, and most of all, the students. Over 1,000 students attended the career fair, many of whom were from rural schools in Oxbow, Lampman, Gladmar, Redvers and Manor.
“It’s been busy this morning. There’s been lots of interest in the health care field,” said Janice Wagner, a mentorship and preceptorship coordinator for Sun Country Health Region. “There’s a lot of interest in nursing and medical imaging fields, such as X-ray and CT scan, as well.
“It’s excellent, and it gives a good chance to view all of the different professions for students who may be looking to get into a medical profession.”
