THE Golden Plains Shire is getting its own careers expo.
No longer do young people, or those looking to change work, need to head to Geelong, Ballarat, or Melbourne for job fairs and advice, with the first Golden Plains Careers Expo coming to Bannockburn Cultural Centre this month.
From 10am to 3pm on Saturday, 24 June, professionals from various industries, tertiary education and training providers, organisation representatives, and employers from local businesses including Meredith Dairy and Western Plains Pork will be on site to speak to attendees.
“The Golden Plains Careers Expo aims to advance the learning and employment outcomes for young people in Golden Plains, by increasing access and awareness of education and career pathways to enhance employment opportunity and outcomes,” a statement from the Golden Plains Shire said.
A guest panel of speakers will include former municipal Young Citizen of the Year, Alisha Nurnatis.
After school, she took an alternative career pathway, and said she wished she had known how many other people do the same.
“I was originally at uni studying law, and I hated it, so I dropped out,” she said. “I ended up working at The Y Bannockburn, and I’m now working on the youth parliament there, helping other young people find careers in politics.
“I thought uni was the be-all and end-all, and it’s not, so I want to share my pathway, and give advice that not having a set path or career is okay.
“It fluctuates and there are so many other options out there and ways you can learn.”
The other speakers set for the panel are Victoria Police Sergeant Craig Grant, Meredith Dairy director Julie Cameron, and Federation University’s associate director of partnerships and growth Bill Mundy.
Exhibitors will include Australian Catholic University, Deakin University, Federation University and TAFE, Victoria University, The Gordon, South West TAFE, the Country Fire Authority, Australian Defence Force, Jobs Victoria, headspace, and YMCA Bannockburn.
Golden Plains Shire mayor Cr Brett Cunningham is encouraging people to visit the event and look at their options.
“This inaugural event is a fantastic opportunity for youth to explore a range of career pathways and further education opportunities and to connect with employers and industry professionals,” he said.
“The expo has been built on an understanding of the importance of providing students, parents and school leavers, access to broad range of information and sound advice on career pathways and I personally look forward to hosting the event, and meeting with the youth who attend on the day.”