Find a career at futures fest

FOR almost twenty-five years, the Ballarat Careers Expo offered young people information and advice from job representatives about all the pathways they could take after school.

Adapted for a new era, the community event has evolved to become the 2023 Ballarat Careers and Futures Festival, which is set for the Wendouree Centre for Performing Arts on Sunday, 16 July.

“Rather than focus on jobs, trades and industry, the reimagined festival focuses on tertiary and post school options such as universities, TAFE, registered training organisations, residential colleges, apprenticeships and traineeships, and gap year opportunities,” said Ballarat Grammar careers practitioner and event co-organiser Kate Brusamarello.

“This approach is more streamlined for senior school students so they can explore the variety of career pathways available to them once they complete school.”

More than 40 institutions and organisations from diverse areas are set to be at the festival, including major sponsors Federation University and Australian Catholic University, and others including the University of Melbourne, RMIT University, and Charles Sturt University.

“Residential Colleges will be in attendance to assist students in exploring accommodation options, and gap year agencies can help those that are looking for adventure after school,” Ms Brusamarello said.

“Students looking into apprenticeships and traineeships can speak with agencies such as MEGT and VECCI.

“Another exciting exhibitor is the Australian Defence Force who have a wide range of career pathways available. There really is lots to explore for all students.”

Seminars are also set to be delivered, with FedUni and ACU bookending the presentations, aiming to attract as many students as possible to a local university.

The seminar themes include study options at FedUni and ACU, 10 top career tips for parents of young people hosted by careers practitioners, how apprenticeships and traineeships can be earn and learn pathways, and advice and tips from a panel of young people not long out of school.

“The BCFF is a great opportunity to explore the many different career pathways available to young people in one place locally in Ballarat,” Ms Brusamarello said.

“The chance to speak directly to representatives from the institutions and organisations is invaluable, and something both which students and parents can benefit from.

“By attending the event, they will gain further knowledge and understanding of the options available to them, in turn providing them with the ability to approach this next chapter of their lives with more confidence, certainty, and excitement.”

The Ballarat Careers and Futures Festival will be held on Sunday 16 July from 11am to 3pm at the Wendouree Centre for Performing Arts.