THIS year 64 students from St Catherine's school got a taste of what their future career could be like.

Year 10 students went to work for a range of Whitsunday business and organisations including the Whitsudnay Regional Council, Wilmar's Proserpine Mill, Daydream Island, Tourism Whitsundays and Cruise Whitsunday.

Careers coordinator Melissa Pepper said each year the school takes the time to set up a special work experience program and schedule for the students.

"This week comes at an important time in the students' schooling as they enter into the SET planning process and choosing subjects for year 11," she said.

The week of work experience is designed to also tie in with the careers expo which the St Catherine's students attended at the Proserpine High School yesterday.

Ms Pepper said it was important to give the kids an opportunity to experience time in the work force as a student as they may discover the job is not what they are looking for, but they also may love it.

This year Ms Pepper said for the majority of students it was the latter.

"They loved it, 99% of the kids I have spoken to when we visited them on site said they are all happy with the way it went."

Ms Pepper made special mention to all the Whitsunday businesses that came on board with the program this year.

"We are very lucky in our community that we have so many businesses and organisations that are willing to host work experience students."

She said the week was important for students to build career pathways and in the past many have entered work based apprenticeships and jobs through their initial contact will work experience hosts.

Ms Pepper also praised the effort of the high school in hosting the careers expo and giving kids insight into their careers.