More than 3,000 students and jobseekers on Tuesday attended Career Expo 2008, being held at the Bahrain International Exhibition Centre.

The three-day event, which was officially opened by Labour Minister Dr Majeed Al Alawi, aims to attract more than 10,000 visitors.

Also present was Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Labour Fund chairman Dr Nizar Al Baharna.

'The overall career expo initiative is a community driven concept with an aim to enlighten and educate,' said ministry assistant under-secretary for training and steering committee head Abdulellah E Al Qassimi.

He urged students and job seekers to take the opportunity to gain valuable information about careers and the job market.

The event was opened on Tuesday exclusively for Bahraini female high school students, while Thursday is reserved for Bahraini male high school students only.

The Career Expo is open on Tuesday and Wednesday from 8am to 1pm for schools, and 4pm to 8pm for the general public.

It targets Bahraini secondary students, vocational students, jobseekers and parents.

Bapco training administrator Khatoon Al Ansari said the event would be instrumental in helping many students to research and choose their field of interest.

'It gives an idea to the students on how to take the right direction without wasting their time,' said Ansari.

'Our pavilion will tell the students about all kinds of jobs we offer, how to get them and what kind of course or training they have to take.

'We also advise them to research and see what jobs are available in the market.'

Banagas administration manager Ali Ahmed Showaiter said there were various opportunities and students should grab the most suitable position for them.

'All the jobseekers and students have to research the best careers for them,' said Showaiter.

'Sometimes they try to become doctors or engineers, because their parents force them or insist on a specific field.

'But the children have their own ideas and ideal jobs in mind and that's the reason many face failures in their life.

'They should plan for everything first and have a target in mind.'

The afternoon sessions of Career Expo, which are open to the public, features an interactive quiz show taking place daily from 4 to 7pm. - TradeArabia News Service