criticism that the event was badly timed and poorly attended by students.

The Bermuda National Career Expo, held at CedarBridge Academy and hosted by the Business Education Partnership (BEP), was reportedly attended by some 2,000 students and parents.

Stalls representing more than 90 occupations were set up by volunteers of the business community in an effort to provide information, advice and ideas to young people preparing for the work force.

"The Expo certainly met all of my expectations,'' BEP co-chairman Ken Spurling said. "I was absolutely delighted with the response from the business community. They did a great job of providing very interesting interactive displays.'' But several exhibitors complained that student turn-out was noticeably low and they suspected that this was due to the fact that students were out on Easter break.

"Why not have it when students are already in school?'' asked one business executive who attended. "This was a disgrace. The whole strategy was wrong.

The business community bent over backwards to support this. They made a commitment to it. Yet they had employees there talking to each other because there were very few students there.'' With the exception of Mount Saint Agnes Academy, which sent a bus load of students to the expo, The Royal Gazette observed students trickling in throughout the day.

But Mr. Spurling said the feedback he had received from exhibitors as well as students and parents was very positive.

"Everybody I spoke to and people who went out of their way to speak to me said the expo was very interesting and definitely worthwhile,'' he said.

"Even though it was Easter Break for most students, I think it was a good time to have it because the school wasn't in full swing so the students had plenty of free time to come.'' Mr. Spurling and other Expo organisers are still discussing whether the event should be held annually or bi-annually.

"Once word gets around how interesting the Expo was, hopefully even more people will come out next time,'' he added.

EDUCATION ED