The Central Coast Future Choices Expo is set to take place in August and organisers are keen to attract exhibitors and sponsors.
Transitioning from school to the next stage of life when you are living with disability often comes with unique challenges and sometimes unexpected opportunities.
The Central Coast Future Choices Expo is the only event of its kind in the region.
It attracts more than 120 exhibitors with a focus on connecting young people living with disability to employment services, employers, education providers, disability providers and government services to help them make informed decisions about their future and the support available in the move to adult life.
Presented by Career Links, a not-for-profit organisation that creates pathways and opportunities for all young people as they transition from school to work and further education, the event is also run in conjunction with the National Disability Coordination Officer Program and the NSW Department of Education Support Teachers.
Operating since the year 2000, it is a critical information resource.
“Each year the event attracts approximately 1,500 students,” Career Links CEO John Purcell said.
“Some attend with a school group, others come with their parents or their carers.
“It’s open to tertiary graduates as well and is free to attend.”
The event attracts exhibitors from a range of organisations including: disability service providers, universities, TAFE Colleges, registered training providers, group training companies, youth support services, career services, employers, employment services, supported employment, apprenticeship centres, government agencies/services, advocacy/peer support groups and assistive technology suppliers.
“Career Links connects our young people, no matter who they are, to the next stage of their lives through education, jobs and information,” Purcell said.
“Some young people want tertiary education, some want vocational training and/or apprenticeships, some need special needs support services and others are just looking for a job.
“Those who come to our Future Choices Expos are looking for that extra support; they want to know what opportunities are out there for them and we like to think that we are helping their dreams come true, aiding them on the path to the next stage of their young lives.”
The Future Choices Central Coast Expo will be held on Wednesday, August 28, from 9am-1pm at Mingara Recreation Club, Tumbi Umbi.
For information on all the services and events that Career Links deliver, visit www.careerlinks.nsw.edu.au and go to Future Choices on the dropdown menu or visit https://www.ivvy.com.au/event/393MSK