Riverina students gave the career expo the thumbs up. Photo: Supplied.
More than 2500 students from 50 schools across the Riverina and border regions explored their future study and employment options during the Riverina Careers Expo Roadshow last week, with exhibitors travelling from five states and territories.
The three-day roadshow brought together three major events – the Western Riverina Careers Expo in Leeton, Wagga Tertiary Day and the Albury-Wodonga Careers Expo.
Mel Risby, people and culture officer at Wagga Wagga City Council, said it gave students a chance to think about jobs they might have never considered.
“Students are genuinely interested in understanding what different jobs involve, the pathways into them, and what opportunities exist locally,” she said.
“I’m always impressed by their curiosity, the thoughtful questions they ask, and their willingness to explore a range of options before making decisions about their future.”
Students engaged with universities, training providers, employers and support services through interactive displays, hands-on activities and conversations designed to help them better understand the wide range of pathways available after school.
Representatives from Queensland, Tasmania, the Australian Capital Territory, Victoria and New South Wales joined local businesses and organisations to showcase opportunities available both within the region and beyond.
There was a strong interest in medical-themed careers. Photo: Supplied.
Attendance exceeded 1000 students at the Albury-Wodonga Careers Expo, while 750 students attended the Western Riverina Careers Expo in Leeton and at least 700 students participated in Wagga Tertiary Day.
“It’s important for school students to get access to representatives from many different organisations in the real world so they can be best prepared when they finish their schooling,” said Katie Friedlieb, senior project officer at the Department of Education.
“Being able to speak with different organisations while students are still at school helps them make the most informed decisions so that they can work with their careers adviser to set the best plan for their future.”
Jess Brodie, a marketing coordinator at Charles Sturt University, said she had conversations about application processes, early entry options, scholarships and financial support and answered lots of questions about courses such as nursing, education, medicine, engineering, business and psychology.
“We speak to students who know exactly what they want to do who just need some advice on how to get there, as well as students who are just starting the discovery stage of learning about their post school options,” she said.
