The Career Guidance Seminar was hosted by the Rotary Club of San Fernando for thirteen consecutive years from 1969 with the exception of 1970 due to civil unrest. All secondary schools within easy transport range of San Fernando were invited to participate.
The venue in the initial stages was at a private secondary school in Vistabella. It soon became very obvious that more space was needed and Presentation College, Naparima College and the San Fernando Technical Institute became future venues.
In the later years, attendance on the particular Saturday averaged 1200-1500 students. Panelists, who were drawn from both the private and public sectors, were estimated to be 50-60. These public spirited volunteers gave of their time and effort willingly and repeatedly year after year. They were arranged in booths where students in groups could meet and discuss the particular career with the career representative.
Counseling began at 9:00 am with a break for lunch at noon and ended at 4:00 pm. Barbecue lunches were provided by Rotarians and Rotary Anns (now called Partners in Service) who prepared and distributed the meals on site. Fellowship was intense.
Career areas covered included Agriculture, Accounting, Law, Teaching, The Protective Services, Medicine, Electronics, Pharmacy and Business.
In order to stimulate rivalry, prizes were offered for the best presented booth and because of eye appeal, the Protective Services, with all their fascinating equipment, was always an attraction that often won the prizes.
Eventually, the seminar passed on to private enterprise. Neal and Massy, because of greater resources, was able to put on a more attractive presentation during the school week at the Trinidad Hilton.
We doubt whether anything could match the fellowship generated by our seminar. The organisation fell on the shoulders of Lloyd George and Ken Phillpot, but the entire club bent their backs to the task. Names like Sonny Paul, Rex Boon, Rey Dolly, Dip Maharaj, Clarence Douglin, Rolph de Gannes and many others too numerous to mention will live in memory over a project well-done.
Photos
-
Minister Errol Mahabir addressing the audience at the opening of a career guidance seminar.
-
A large captive audience at the Naparima Bowl, San Fernando.
-
Students learn about the Police Service.
-
Charter Member Dr. Lloyd George presents a challenge shield during a seminar.
-
Leo de Leon (Program Director NBS 610) and Farouk Mohammed (Program Director TTT) hard at work.
-
Lt. Commander Jack Williams (Coast Guard) and Capt. GE Goddard (Regiment) with students.
-
and 8. Panelists hard at work.
