By GEORGIA WESTGARTH
THE South East Local Learning and Employment Network and the City of Casey put together a successful and hands-on Careers Expo and Try a Trade event on Tuesday 21 April.
“It was fantastic we had around 3200 students attend with a big range of different exhibits, half of them being interactive,” work placement co-ordinator at South East Local Learning and Employment Network Mandy Stevens said.
Students from schools throughout Casey and Cardinia had the chance to make pizza, roll dough, make ice cream, rock climb, plaster and lay bricks as well as planting plants as part of the horticulture exhibits, and sit on army trucks.
Ms Stevens has worked with the expo since it started six years ago and said 400 students attended in year one.
“Every year it’s grown and we really tried to make this an interactive expo.
“If it’s more engaged the students remember more and we had lots of giveaways, it’s an exciting day for all the students from year 9 to year 12,” she said.
Along with interactive activities, universities and Tafe providers were available to speak with students about courses and the day offered information on music, design, health, community services and local councillors were also present.
“Councillors were talking to students about jobs within the council and we had both local mayors, Cr Mick Morland and Cr Leticia Wilmot, come along and a short film was made to go on the council’s website,” Ms Stevens said.
The annual event is set to continue to grow, Ms Stevens said.
“A lot of kids don’t like travelling into the city and they miss out on the careers expos, it’s great that we have all these providers coming out to the south-east for our kids.”
Ms Stevens said even locals who had seen the event being advertised came along.
“Next year it will be bigger and better, we are hoping to get more sponsors and even more room to fit more activities and hire marquees for more exhibits,” she said.
Ms Stevens said the hospitality exhibits are always a big hit as well as fixing the motors in the automotive exhibit. “The day gives kids the opportunity to try things before they choose a course and find out what’s available and they get to make more informed decisions,” she said.
