On Friday 12th of July 2024, various staff members of the National Assembly Service had the opportunity to participate in the Career Fair hosted by Plaisance Secondary School. Attendees included students from Plaisance Secondary School, neighbouring schools, as well as members of the public.
The aim of the Career Fair was to provide a forum for students and interested individuals to become more closely acquainted with a variety of institutions and potential occupations. Select staff of the National Assembly Service created engaging materials, as well as bringing historical and auspicious items for the young students to view and learn more about. This included the original Mace and a gavel used by a previous Speaker of the House – these items were loaned from the Parliamentary Museum where they are customarily housed.
Attendees had the opportunity to learn about the various departments within the National Assembly Service, the importance of their roles, and the ways in which they could develop their skillsets by pursuing a career in the parliamentary sphere. The Hansard team provided an insights into the profession of transcription and allowed students the chance to type a mock verbatim during the Fair. Students were selected to participate in mock interviews with the People and Culture Division (formerly referred to as Human Resources), which provided tips and confidence boosters to aid in future job-seeking.
Participants were also given a brief on the roles within the Chamber, such as that of the Clerk, Deputy Clerk, and Sergeant-at-Arms. Additionally, participants who answered correctly in the short quizzes on parliamentary history and proceedings were able to win commemorative prizes to commemorate their interest in their parliament and foster a greater appreciation for the legislative system.
Students and other participants expressed an appreciation for the wealth of information provided at the Fair, with many young adults expressing that their knowledge of the National Assembly Service had been augmented by this experience.
