Hundreds of young people flocked to Lake Haven Recreation Centre on September 15 to explore career, training and education opportunities at The Y NSW Employment Now Careers Expo.
More than 700 students from 15 schools visited the Expo over four busy hours.
“There was this general atmosphere of young people being engaged, constant movement and activity which brought real life to it,” Central Coast Youth Program Coordinator, Virginia Walshaw said.
The total attendance figure was close to 1000 people – including more than 60 stallholders, adult attendees and volunteers.
“We hope we can have young people walk away with some amazing moments of connection, an opportunity to reflect on what their future might look like and hopefully they’ve had a bit of fun as well,” Y NSW Chief Executive Officer, Susannah Le Bron said.
The more than 50 exhibitors represented local employers, support services, employment agencies, training organisations, government bodies and other businesses.
The free event offered interactive demonstrations and industry insights to give young people confidence and practical information about opportunities on the Central Coast.
“There was plenty to do and see and it gave teachers the capacity to get all that information about the supports that are there for their young people,” Walshaw said.
“They were able to identify opportunities that they know can assist their young people toward achieving.”
The Y NSW Youth Careers Expo was supported by Central Coast Council and backed by a Steering Committee which included Council Youth Services, TAFE, Department of Education, Central Coast Community Council, Barang Regional Alliance, NSW Police and Bara Barang.
“We had 30 young student volunteers from TAFE, from local high schools, young people who are currently employed in their first jobs took the day off to come join us,” Walshaw said.
“It was such a joyous atmosphere; I was stopped by people saying it was such a great event and many more will be back next year.”
Source:
Media release, Sep 20
The Y NSW