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Sunday, December 20, 2009

AN OPPORTUNITY FOR YOU


Dear Counsellor/Teacher,
THIS IS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR YOU.
CHOICES is seeking the help of persons to introduce its publications at the primary and secondary levels.
These include:
The Career Key
CHOICES Career & Education Magazines
Help Your Child With Career Choice
Making The Best Decisions For Career, Education & Life
Children's Career Choices - (primary)
CHOICES World of Work Colouring Book (primary and pre-primary)
The Chidlren's Career Key (available soon)
CHOICES Career Resource Pakage - (secondary)
CHOICES Career Resource Package (primary)
If you believe that you are such a person and could work closely with the cluster of schools in which your school falls, drop us an email - <> or give us a call - 782-1644. Training will be provided.
Opportunities abound for you to strengthen your position in life while continuing the work you do in assisting students, parents and community in a tangible and essential way.
Call now! - 782-1644
Angela deFreitas
General Manager
CHOICES Career Advice

CALL US NOW: 876-969-5741/876-924-7473/876-782-1644 (cell); 954-323-6217/876-782-1644
EMAIL: info@choicesonlinejm.com
website: www.choicesonlinejm.com
BLOG: www.choosingtherightcareer.blogspot.com

GET YOUR CAREER, EDUCATION & LIFE ON TRACK WITH CHOICES.

Saturday, December 12, 2009

Children's Career Choices


Our new publication "Childrens Career Choices” is now ready and available for primary students. It is 16 pages, in full colour, note-size (like The Career Key)and with a hard cover. This publication will help you to infuse career guidance information smoothly into the primary curriculum in a fun, interesting and activity-filled way.
Children’s Career Choices is the perfect partner to The CHOICES World of Work Colouring Book for primary and pre-primary students and The Children’s Career Key (Caribbean edition) - soon to be available - for 5th and 6th graders.
Please call us with an order if you are interested in receiving copies of any of these publications.
CALL US NOW TO DISCUSS YOUR NEEDS - 876-969-5741/954-323-6217/876-782-1644

CHOICES Annual due out December 20


CHOICES presents advertisers in our up-coming issue of CHOICES Magazine due to appear on Sunday December 20, 2009. Check out their websites as listed below.

ALLIANCE FRANCAISE OF JAMAICA


AAMM CO-OP CREDIT UNION



B & B INSTITUTE OF BUSINESS



CARIBBEAN WESLEYAN COLLEGE


CHOICES CAREER ADVICE

GEORGE BROWN COLLEGE


GLEANER COMPANY LTD.


JAMAICA PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY

JAMAICA THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY

JOHNSON & WALES UNIVERSITY

KA-JU FASHIONS

MICO UNIVERSITY COLLEGE


NATIONAL COMMERCIAL BANK



SANGSTER’S BOOKSTORES


SOFTSHEEN-CARSON

ST. GEORGE’S UNIVERSITY

UNITED THEOLOGICAL COLLEGE OF THE WEST INDIES

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

CHOICES "Get On Track For Career, Education & Life Seminar" in Montego Bay.... and a good time was had by all!





What a great few days out it was!
Our CHOICES team travelled from Kingston/St. Andrew via St. Catherine, Clarendon, through St. Ann, Trelawny and then down into St. James enjoying all of the scenic moments along with way, all in the effort to bring our show "Get On Track For Career, Education & Life Seminar" to schools in the western parishes.
We breezed through the Jamaican countryside, touching on 7 out of 14 parishes during our travels.
The hills of the central land mass drew awe-inspiring gasps as we passed through lush, green hills and valleys, small, quaint communities, and then saw the view of the coast and the sparkling blue Caribbean Sea, stopping along the way to visit key schools such as Porus High, Alston High, Aabuthnott Gallimore, Brown's Town High and others.
The schools of the western parishes turned out in large numbers for the one-day event on Thursday October 29 forcing more chairs to be added to the already well-laid out and spacious accommodation afforded by The West Jamaica Conference Centre at Mt. Salem.
Exhibitors represented educational and other entities both local to Montego Bay and also many Kingston-based who also made the journey to the west.
The lively stage programme was a pleasant mix of serious and sober and fun and frolic with talks and presentations and fun and games throughout the day. Even Barak Obama shared in the activities from the stage making his own presentation via DVD like CHOICES and its Get Ready For Work DVD and G-Whiz and his inspiring words in "On and On".
Boys in attendance participated in their special group activity led by Craig McNally and entitled "Reach for the Stars" while counsellors and teachers attended a special presentation by Mr. Steven Kerr of the Planning Institute of Jamaica on the subject "“Education, A Job, Entrepreneurship? Which Option Right now?”
Some went away with prizes won for smart answers, wise words and fun activities. All went away much wiser, more enlightened, more certain of their career and educational path. All were energised for their journey ahead.
Look out for CHOICES on its next journey to your part of the island/Caribbean.

Monday, November 2, 2009

Joke - It's funny!

layouts myspace

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Craig McNally
told this joke recently - bet he's told it over and over again!
"A teacher speaking to a parent at a school parents' day informed the mother that he was sure her son was planning a career as a deep sea diver. Why? Because all of his grades are below C-level.

"My daughter's doing business but wants to switch to nursing."

"I'm always the last to leave. Am I slow or what?"





"My desk is always in a mess. Will I be fired?"





CHOICES "Studying in Montego Bay" Issue Now Out


The latest issue of CHOICES Career & Education Magazine is now ready and available. The issue has as its theme "On The Right Track" and features stories on "Studying in Montego Bay"; "Sure Pass Exam Survival Tips"; "Who's Gonna Run This Town Tonight?", "Making A Good Decision" and lots more. Call us now to order your/school copies - 876-969-5741

"My Boss Is Too Busy to Talk To Me"

by Angela deFreitas
Boss always too busy to talk to you?
Is this your problem when you have important matters to iron out in order to get on with your job?
Some - in fact most - bosses are extraordinarily busy. It is, however, not unreasonable to expect some amount of quality time with this superior, especially if you are new on the job and still trying to fit in and "find your way around your work".
In order to get around this problem see if you can negotiate a regular period for updating or a brief information session of some sort. If you get to understand your boss's habits you may have to get into the office early in order to get a few moments before this elusive person is off to the first meeting of the day, or be prepared to stay after hours in order to get in those essential questions.
If your boss is a traveller and is out of office a great deal, in or out of the country, see if you can have cell access or communicate via skype or other IM service. Or, there may be abother senior member of staff with whom you can liaise on certain specific issues.
This can be a real turn-off especially if your work becomes delayed due to this situation. However, try not to become too frustrated. Reading back files can sometimes also provide answers you need.
Copyright 2009 CHOICES Career Advice

"Why Won't Anyone Hire Me?"

If you're asking yourself that question, watch this space for answers.

What Can I do With My CXC Subjects?


Is this a question which you have asked yourself or heard friends asking each other?
Well, our CHOICES Career & Education Magazine issue themed "Your CXC's" will help you to answer that question.
This issue gives you a run-down of all CXC's CSEC and CAPE subjects and will also help you to match your subjects with careers and tertiary institutions.
Get your copies from Sansgter's Book Stores or from CHOICES at 876-969-5741.

Sunday, November 1, 2009

CHOICES Montego Bay Get On Track Seminar - Thank you all.

CHOICES has staged another major seminar,"Get On Track For Career, Education & Life", this time in Montego Bay for schools in the western end of the island. It was a great success with a large turn-out of students, counsellors and teachers attending. We want to thank our sponsors, George Brown College from Toronto, Canada, The Gleaner Newspaper, Sangster's Book Stores, The Tax Administration Services Department and the University College of the Caribbean along with the twenty exhibitors, and also companies which donated prizes and snack items of food and drinks for the event. We recognise that we can never achieve what we set out to without the the help and encouragement of companies, friends and supporters such as you. We shower you with gratitude and every good wish for your future prosperity.

Friday, October 16, 2009

CHOICES Get On Track Seminar for Montego Bay October 29, 2009

“Get on Track For Career, Education & Life”, a very special one-day seminar for upper level secondary students from several western parishes will be staged on Thursday October 29 at the West Jamaica Conference Centre, Mt. Salem, Montego Bay from 9a.m. – 3p.m..

The event is being organised for students from the parishes of Hanover, St, James, Westmoreland, Trelawny and St. Ann to introduce them to important considerations as they prepare for career, education and life after school. Organiser is the regional career and education company, CHOICES Career Advice.

Highlights of the event will include a presentation by Mr. Steven Kerr of the Planning Institute of Jamaica on the subject “Education, A Job, Entrepreneurship? – Which Option Right Now?” and a special motivational presentation for male students who attend. DVD information on dressing for the job interview, writing cover letter and resume, creating a career portfolio and career planning will also be on the day’s schedule.

Another important feature of the event will be private one-on-one career counselling to be given free of charge for students who need it. This will be provided by counselling students of the Sam Sharpe Teachers’ College.

The day will also include an exhibition in the same location and a series of feature presentations. Exhibitors will include Sam Sharpe Teachers’ College, the University College of the Caribbean, The University of the West Indies, The University of Technology, George Brown College out of Toronto, Canada, The Edna Manley College, Kirk Distributors, the Tax Administration Services, the Caribbean Institute of Technology, The Rural Agricultural Development Agency, the JDF, the JCF, the JFB and many more.

CHOICES has been the market leader in offering career and education information for over 10 years. CHOICES resources include CHOICES Career & Education Magazine, The Career Key, CHOICES Career & Education Expos, CHOICES Seminars and an informative website – choicesonlinejm.com. These resources are successfully used and distributed in schools in Jamaica and the Caribbean.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Angela deFreitas
TEL: 876-969-5741/876-525-0804
e-mail - info@hoicesonlinejm.com

October 11, 2009

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

NEW CHOICES TITLES AVAILABLE


Call us
now for copies – 876-969-5741; email – info@choicesonlinejm.com

“Ready…..Set…..Go for 7th Grade” – helping you to make the transition from primary to secondary level education.





“Your CXC’s” – Answers to the question, what can I do with my CXC Subjects?




“Back to the Books Issue” For anyone thinking of going to back school





“College Bound” – Gets you ready for college and university life.














"Choosing Subjects” – Problems at 9th grade knowing which subjects to choose? – this one is for you




“Job Hunting” – Helping to get you ready for the world of work.


CHOICES COMING YOUR WAY, MONTEGO BAY

It’s your turn in western Jamaica.
CHOICES will stage its “Get on Track for Career, Education & Life” seminar for schools in western Jamaica on Thursday October29 from 9a. m - 3p.m.
Content of the seminar will be targeted at 10th graders and above as they begin to look at what will happen for them after secondary school - work, college, business, skills training and other options. Included will also be a very special presentation for counsellors and teachers.
Exhibits will be set up by many educational institutions and others. CHOICES will bring its popular publications featuring “Choosing Subjects”. “Job Hunting”, “College Bound” and “Your CXC’s” which will be out by then.
We look forward to this event with great excitement remembering last year’s seminar which met with great success for the hundreds who attended.
Call us at 876-924-7473 or 876-969-5741 for more information and to confirm your school’s attendance.

Choices Career & Education Expo 2009 Highlight - GM's Presentation

Presentation was made by Mrs Angela deFreitas,General Manager of CHOICES, at the Choices Career & Education Expo which took place on Tuesday June 2 2009

Thursday, July 23, 2009

KA-JU Fashion Fiesta @ Choices Expo June 2, 2009

PART 1



PART 2



About KA-JU


KA_JU Dressmaking & Fashion Institute

Offers courses designed to give you the skills you need for a new career.
Since 1987 over Twenty one thousand men and women have enrolled in KA-JU seeking a new career and a better quality of life.

The school was established on the 5th of October 1987. Mrs. Kelly Abrahams (Principal of KA-JU) recognized that young people who were seeking a career in the field of dressmaking and fashion designing could not find an institution that taught freehand cutting. She embarked on a programme that would allow students to become accomplished dressmakers by using the free hand method of cutting.
Over the years other courses were added to the programme, such as Drapery, Quilting, Soft Upholstery, Blinds and Shades (Interior Décor) Fabric Painting, Lingerie and Floral Arrangements.


KA-JU has maintained a tradition of excellence for over twenty years.
The school accept students from all Socio-Economic Spheres of the society. A number of past students are successful owners of boutiques both locally and overseas.

Friday, July 3, 2009

“THE CHOICES CAREER RESOURCE PACKAGES FOR PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS”


The package includes The CHOICES Get Ready For Work DVD, a copy of The Graduate’s Guide to Making the Best Decisions for Your Career, Education & Life”, The Career Key”, Help your Child With Career Choice — A Guide For Parents” and recent copies of CHOICES Magazine.



The DVD includes presentations on:

+“The Five Steps to Career Planning

+“Creating A Career Portfolio

+ "Writing Your Resume

+“Creating A Winning Cover Letter

and

+“Acing The Job Interview

These materials will assist your schools in preparing students for the working world and to improve their job prospects. The resource package which is suited to library, counsellor’s office or career resource centre is supplied in a presentation case which will keep these materials clean, safe and available for use for years to come.

The secondary package is available to you at a cost of US$65 each and the primary package is US$17.50. Both packages include a DVD themed "Get on Track for Exams & Beyond"

Call Jaimelee or Angela now at 954-323-6217; 876-969-5741/876-924-7473/876-782-1644 (cell) to order your copy or email info@choicesonlinejm.com

Thursday, June 11, 2009

Message from the Minister

Message by Jamaica's Minister of Education, Hon. Andrew Holness, for Choices Career & Education Exposition 2009


"Choosing a career is a big decision.

For more than 10 years Choices Career and Education Exposition has been helping to make this decision easier by providing information on education, training and careers.

The Ministry of Education lauds the Choices Career and Education Exposition on its work.

The information provided by Choices is necessary, not only in helping young people prepare for life after school, but in helping to shape the Jamaica we want.

The careers chosen by young people will determine whether Jamaica has sufficient research scientists, actuaries, public relations specialists, computer engineers and other professionals needed for the country to achieve its targets for 2030. The information provided by Choices is critical in this regard, it can also help in the fight to reduce the number of youth at risk.

Jamaica has a serious problem with youth at risk, especially as it relates to young males, who are the main victims and perpetrators of crime.

The government is implementing a number of social intervention programmes aimed at changing the "at risk" status of many youth. Many of these young people do not know how to go about using the limited education they have to find jobs, or they are unaware of the avenues open to them for additional training.

Choices can help by providing information to young people, particularly the approximately 38,000 students every year, who, due to underperformance, will not be able to matriculate to higher education. Choices can provide information that that these underperforming young people can use to direct their lives.

Best wishes and all the best on your exposition.

God bless you."

June 2, 2009

Monday, May 18, 2009

As Expo Day Approaches



We're counting down to "E" Day. With fifteen days to go our floor plan is now set, almost cast in stone. Can't take a pin or a message!

All schools are on board and anticipating a great day out at The Alfred Sangster Auditorium.

NEW MAGAZINES COMING!!!!!!



Two new issues of CHOICES Career & Education Magazine went to the press this week and will be out at the end of the month.
Our "College Bound" issue will bring you information on just what happens when you set off on that college bound path - freedom, indepedence, money-o, registration etc.


Our "Get Ready for 7th Grade" issue will get you over that transition from primary level education to secondary with its practical advice and information on just how to deal with many situations. Call us at 876-969-5741 or 954-323-6217 to order as quantities will be limited.

Thursday, May 7, 2009

PETER'S IN JAPAN




By Peter Kelly

I was pretty bored with my life as it was so breaking my stalemate of one job a year made sense. "Life elsewhere has to be better," I thought.
"You might as well travel the world when you are young," encouraged the executive at my last job. "It will open your eyes to the big world and help you to think more expansively," she said.
It took me a while, and several failed attempts to move elsewhere, until I decided on a place to escape to.
Two years later, my decision to work in Japan as an Assistant Language Teacher was realized with an offer from the country's leading company in the industry. I booked my tickets with abandon and expectancy.
"Is the grass really greener on the other side," asked one sinister friend. "Are you sure it is a good idea to leave Jamaica now and move to Japan in the middle of a recession?" was another attempt to make me reconsider. But I was determined to find my kernel of opportunity in impenetrable Japanese society.
But the moment I hit the tarmac on April 4 en route to Frankfurt then Pudong, I knew my life would change. I was the only black person on all three flights that amounted to 23 hours.
"Are you a tennis player from America," inquired one curious co-passenger as I positioned my pair of tennis rackets in the overhead compartment.
By the time I landed at Narita Airport I was a zombie. But customs was a breeze. As english teachers in Japan command incredible respect, I was not viewed with any suspicion. Senseis, as we are called, are 'third parents' and are expected to be exemplary citizens.

I was like a kid in a candy store in Tokyo. Vending machines at every corner, large neon signs written in Kanji were incomprehensible, larger than life and the models all looked Western and stick-thin. It took me five minutes, bumps into people and numerous repetitions of sumimasen [excuse me] to understand that you always walk on the left and I ate rice, miso soup and fish for about four days, as I did not understand the menus.

Training for my new job was interestingly simple but I freaked out in my first demo lesson and it was torn to shreds by the trainer. A flicker of hopelessness crossed my mind but turning back at that stage would be the real failure. It takes a strong mind to settle down in a new culture. No one is going to spoon feed you, so you must learn fast and advance.

People are incredibly purposeful and competitive here. Everyone wears a suit to work and must arrive 10 minutes to the hour to be considered early. Arrive on the hour and an apology is in order.

Fashion is amazing in Tokyo but bargains are sparse except you go to Harajuku. Here, you can take the risks you would not dare to at home. I even saw a guy, walking with who is apparently his female companion, carrying a hot pink purse-looking bag, obviously his, and wearing jeans so tight he could injure himself. But noone stares, snickers or cares about what anyone else does, so your stress level from the "who is noticing me" factor is nil.

Japanese are suckers for order. Walk on a red light and you could be ticketed or whistled. Lose your train ticket and be stuck in the station except you repay your fare. Lose your money or valuables and you are sure to have it returned to you within 24 hours.

People are very helpful. One guy walked 10 minutes with me to help me find a train. If you forget to remove your outdoor shoes when you enter some establishments, you are sure to offend someone. If you don't have your Alien Registration Card on your person, prepare to be detained. Good luck trying to explain to bored policemen who speak only Japanese.

By the time I moved into my small apartment in Chiba, I had made friends with a few other new teachers. Most are from the USA but there are Kiwis, Aussies and Brits in the mix.
The bed in the apartment is no lower than 4 feet tall, the doorbell has a surveillance video camera and the toilet seat is heated, electronic - and speaks.

I am a spectacle. A black man in a small community is awful, especially for small kids. They stare alot. Some are friendly. One little girl ran and shrieked as I jogged towards her one evening. Friendly as some are, you can tell when Japanese people don't like visitors. They stare pass you as though you don't exist. More welcoming ones are eager to do 5-minute English drills with you. Surprisingly, some don't know of Jamaica until you mention Bob Marley.
The grass is actually greener if you condiser that crime is virtually non-existent. More people die from natrual causes and suicide here than from murder. Walking around late, carefree, is not uncommon and I was told that gangs only hang out, they don't rob or mug. It is so safe that some people are paid their sizeable salaries in cash. Many companies hire solely on merit and if you work hard, you will go far.