On Thursday, 14 September, students from across the Shire were given the opportunity to meet with employment and education providers and hear about the vast variety of career pathways available to them.

Held at the Coonabarabran Town Hall, the event was coordinated by Centacare Central West and Orana, previously Centacare Bathurst, to help youth and the community to discover pathways to successful careers.

This annual Careers Expo is a free, one-day event that allows students to engage with a variety of exhibitors who are industry specialists in education, training, careers, and employment pathways.

Centacare community programs facilitator, Krystel Sutherland said the Expo was a great opportunity to help provide guidance and clarity to students at what can be a very confusing and overwhelming time for teenagers.

“This event helps school leavers transition to work or further study and provides an opportunity to access such a breadth of providers that they otherwise may not have access to,” Ms Sutherland said.

“We were very excited to have two leading universities come to Coonabarabran – Charles Sturt University and University of New England, as well as TAFE NSW.”

Other exhibitors included representatives from the Australian Defence Force, NSW Police, NSW Health, Ambulance, Inland Rail, Glencore, National Parks and Wildlife Services, Local Land Services, VERTO, Joblink Plus, Skillset, Woolworths as well as training providers and apprenticeships.

There were also a range of local community service providers including Warrumbungle Shire Council, MacKillop Family Services, and Centacare Central West and Orana.

Ms Sutherland said this large variety of exhibitors gave students the opportunity to find a career pathway that suits their interests and abilities.

“It helps to prepare young people for the transition from school into vocation, higher education and work, and has helped the community to find avenues for further study and work.”

Proudly subsidised by the National Indigenous Australian’s Agency (NIAA), the Coonabarabran Careers Expo has been made possible through the close collaboration of local services providers, and Ms Sutherland extended her thanks to everyone who had helped make the event possible.

The event was attended by students at Coonabarabran High School, as well as students from Dunedoo, Coolah, Mendooran and Binnaway Central Schools, with all expressing positive feedback on the event.

Coonabarabran High School careers advisor, Heather Frewin said the Expo was an ideal opportunity for students to clarify their thoughts and explore options for their future career pathways.

“The students were very engaged with exhibitors, asking lots of questions. They gained a lot of useful information, and the experience was well worthwhile,” Ms Frewin said.

“We thank Krystel Sutherland from Centacare for all the legwork involved in arranging such a successfulevent–students in Coonabarabran rarely get opportunities like this locally.”