Hundreds expected at next week’s youth careers expo

Last year's expo drew 369 young people and 64 adults, with almost double that number expected this year

A bigger and bolder Y NSW Youth Careers Expo is set to showcase a huge array of career opportunities on the Central Coast next week in a vibrant, interactive setting at Lake Haven Precinct.

The Expo takes place on Thursday, September 15, with young people set to visit in record numbers.

“Many of our young people said they’ve been feeling disconnected from their future, as if choices had been taken from them with lockdown the past years,” Central Coast Youth Program Coordinator, Virginia Walshaw, said.

“That is my inspiration for the Expo; to demonstrate the variety of career options and empower our young people to feel confident, to aspire, inspire and embrace a more positive outlook.”

Expert staff at more than 60 information stands and displays will be on hand to offer industry insights and advice to the nearly 700 local high school students booked for the event.

The event will run from 10am-2pm and is open to all young people, schools, families and locals looking to find opportunities on their doorstep.

“It’s going to be bigger and better, with so many new faces and a gorgeous atmosphere,” Walshaw said.

Y NSW Chief Executive,, Susannah Le Bron said the free event is a fantastic opportunity for young people on the Central Coast to explore a host of career and training pathways.

“It is invaluable, this is absolutely critical for young people, with more than 600 coming through to talk and interact with the stallholders who are here for them,” Le Bron said.

“The Y is passionate about the power of inspired young people, and we are all here for every single one of the young people that are coming along.”

From Virtual Reality to real estate, from the Rural Fire Service to Musicians Making a Difference – the Expo promises something for everyone.

A cross-section of local businesses, universities, organisations and training centres will be spread across the Lake Haven precinct.

Y NSW staff will also be available for a chat about Y careers in sport, recreation and childcare, with the Expo all about engagement and interaction.

Central Coast Virtual Reality (CCVR) will bring along VR goggles and offer students the chance to experience remarkable three-dimensional spaces and explore a future in the fast-growing industry.

“VR is emerging quickly and there will be a range of employment opportunities from content design,” CC Virtual Reality owner, Jason McDonald, who is set to open a new store next month at Erina Fair, said.

“The opportunities are broad in not only VR but XR which is a combination of virtual reality and augmented reality, like the pop-up display on your car.”

Musicians Making a Difference (MMAD) will be busy at the Expo, offering an interactive space for performances, hands-on DJ workshops and networking with creative mentors.

“MMAD’s stage area is a mash-up of information, hands-on creative expression and inspiration for young people across the Central Coast,” MMAD National Collaborations Coordinator, Jessica Alex, said.

The fully accessible and inclusive Expo will have specialist stands catering to all young people – mainstream students, young people of all abilities and First Nations youth.

Source:
Media release, Sep 7
Y NSW