High School students got a glimpse into their future on Thursday at the 11th annual Central Alberta CAREERexpo.

About 3,000 students from 37 school visited Red Deer College, with the chance to connect with future employers and representatives from various post-secondary institutions.

President and CEO of Red Deer College Joel Ward said giving students options at an early age is crucial to their future success.

“We want students from high school to come in, take a look around and see there are other options rather than what they hear all the time.”

“Like I’m going to be a doctor or I’m going to be a lawyer. I can tell you these trade careers are very exciting and they pay very well.”

Vice president of CAREERS: The Next Generation, Janis Lawrence-Harper said the earlier they start thinking about their future, the better.

“There’s a huge gap and it’s a cost to a parent, it’s a cost to society for them not to have an idea when they leave high school as to what the next step may be.”

“There’s a huge gap of about five to six years before they get on a pathway that takes them onto a career, so we’re trying to shorten it up.”

The expo is the largest student-focuses career information event in the region.

65 occupations were represented at the expo along with 120 exhibitors.