After 100 years in existence, Berkeley Institute yesterday held its first Career Fair.

And the event gave students the opportunity to obtain employment information from a vast cross-section of companies and Government ministries including the Bermuda Small Business Development Corporation, the Department of Airport Operations and the Bermuda International Business Association.

Berkeley principal Michelle Gabisi told The Royal Gazette that she was impressed with the "overwhelming'' support the school received from the community.

"We have various Government ministries present as well as representatives from numerous professions,'' she said. "This is the first time we have had a Career Fair, but it definitely won't be the last.'' And she said the students appreciated the exposure to the various career options open to them.

"The children are really getting into it,'' Ms Gabisi added. "They are asking questions and learning as much as they can.'' Fourth-year student Jerome Martin credited the fair with prompting his interest in Bermuda Electric Light Company and Universal Electric.

"The fair is a good thing to have because it teaches you about professions,'' said the Southampton resident.

And Karima Saltus, who is in her fourth year, said she hoped Berkeley would host another fair next year.

"It's nice and interesting,'' she said. "I hope they have it next year to keep the students informed.'' Jarrod Zancanella explained that he hoped the fair would inform him about what he will need to become an engineer.

"I hope to find out what it takes to be an engineer and what I'll have to do to get into that career,'' the third year Pembroke student said.

Students were not the only enthusiastic participants at the fair. For career representatives at the various booths set up in the school's assembly hall also gave the fair top marks.

The Department of Tourism's Joycelyn Martin said the students appeared very interested in the tourism industry and asked challenging questions such as whether the new advertising campaign was a success.

"A lot of them think of tourism in terms of hotels and taxis,'' she said. "I have spent a lot of time explaining to them that there is more to tourism then that.'' Tourism Director Gary Phillips added: "Our presence here is to heighten their understanding that no matter what area they pursue, it can be tied back to tourism.'' Mr. Phillips said students who completed their MBA could utilise their degree in the hospitality industry.

"Hotels could use that expertise,'' he said. "They need people with all sorts of training for example accountants and engineers.'' P.c. John Lynch-Wade said in addition to exposing students to employment options in the Police Service, the Career Fair offered him the opportunity to build a rapport with teenagers.

"We've shared some good times and some stories,'' he said. "The interest is there, mostly from the younger ones. The older ones have already decided what they want to do.'' And Sidney Simmons of the Bermuda Public Transportation Board promised to return to the school for future Career Days.

"Oh yes! If they have one next year we'll definitely be back,'' he said.