Geelong to host first large-scale careers expo in July

WHEN Geelong’s new convention centre opens its doors in July, it will also host a first for the region: a large-scale careers expo bringing together students, employers and training providers in one place.

The event is expected to draw more than 3,700 students during the day, with close to 70 exhibitors already confirmed.

The Geelong Region Local Learning and Employment Network (GRLLEN) is behind the event.

GRLLEN’s Courtney Schroder said the idea was shaped by a desire to broaden what local students could see and access, drawing inspiration from Melbourne’s annual careers expo.

“The Geelong Careers Expo has been created to give young people the opportunity to explore the wide range of pathways available to them in one place,” she said.

“By bringing together schools, industry, training providers and community organisations, we’re helping students build confidence, ask questions and start to see what their future could look like.

“This is about ensuring young people across our region can access clear, practical and inspiring career information as they plan their next steps beyond school.”

While schools across the region already run pathway events, she said they are often limited to local providers.

“We have so many [local students] that travel to Ballarat and to Melbourne and to Warrnambool, Colac,” Schroder said.

“We thought, how about we try and bring something big and wonderful together where they can really have a look at, not only the local career pathways available, but some of the amazing opportunities that are available in other areas as well.”

Exhibitors will include universities, TAFEs, training organisations, employers, government departments and community services.

Schroder said the level of interest from exhibitors reflected strong relationships across the sector and a willingness to engage with the region.

The daytime program will run as an invitation-only session for schools, before the expo opens to the broader community in the afternoon.

“It’s the first major career expo that’s being held,” she said.

“Our thinking was, if we can bring it to the schools and bring it to the students, why can’t be bring it to the wider community as well and help out our local jobseekers and career-changers.”

The event is intended to be useful for people at all stages of their working life.

The Geelong Careers Expo will be held at the Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre Thursday 30 July. The community session will begin at 3.15pm.

Registrations are available at geelongcareersexpo.com.au