A one day convention geared at encouraging local people in Lochaber to think ahead and plan their careers was hailed as a resounding success last Wednesday (7 March, 2001) in Fort William.

The All-Age Careers Convention at the Nevis Centre provided general information about higher and further education opportunities and training programmes like Skillseekers and Modern Apprenticeships.

Representatives from 85 national institutions and a wide variety of businesses and industries held stands at the event which was attended by over 500 people from across the area.

The convention is organised every two years by the area's Education Business Partnership programme which is supported by local enterprise company Lochaber Limited.

The convention provides excellent opportunities for parents and employers to meet and forge links with industry and educational establishments.

Local employer Scott Donald from Kearney Donald Partnership said: "It was refreshing this year to see that we had enquiries from both boys and girls. The convention helped us establish links with youngsters and we hope to offer someone a taster of our industry in the summer through a work placement which has proved successful in the past."

Head of skills for Lochaber Limited, Morvern Cameron said: "Our main aim is to encourage people to access the educational opportunities that are open to them and find out more about options they may not be aware of. Learning is becoming increasingly flexible and open to people of all ages."

"We now live in a culture of lifelong learning and people of all ages have to embrace this concept to stay competitive in the jobs marketplace. This not only has benefits for employers in the local area but improves the prospects for individuals as well."

To find out more about careers contact Highland Careers Services or Lochaber College.