Students discover all that's on offer in the workforce

About 1700 students from across the North East attended the Hands On Trades and Career Expo and caught a glimpse of what their working future may look like. On Thursday, 14, August, NE Tracks LLEN presented the region's largest Hands On Trades & Career Expo at Winton Motor Raceway, with about 60 exhibitors from various trades and technical industries bringing students an authentic and interactive working experience. "As the buses arrived, we could see the eager faces coming through the gate and they just didn't know where to look," said Tim Oliver, chief executive officer at NE Tracks LLEN. There were a variety of demonstrations and interactive exhibits, including those from ADF Careers, North East Tree Services, LS Quarry & LS Precast, Thales, Schneider Electric, Benalla Health, Glenrowan Solar, and CMV Truck & Bus among others. "We welcomed back GOTAFE as our Gold Sponsor embedded with industry exhibitors, and trainers were on hand to share information about further education and training opportunities supporting apprenticeships and other career pathways," Mr Oliver said. Crowd favourites this year included the CFA, where students learned to use the fire hose, as well as various vehicle operating simulators, including the addition of a helicopter flying simulator. "They had opportunities to try out truck driving simulators and learn about road safety via the trucking industry thanks to our supporters in Midland Freight and Steering the Future," Mr Oliver said. "The Navy through ADF careers also provided helicopter simulators, which was new to the event this year." As always, the expo provided a fantastic opportunity for students to make connections with potential employers and gain practical insights into the workforce. It's continues to bring long-lasting outcomes for students, with previous attendants having gone on to undergo workplace visits, work experience placements, and even secure apprenticeships. "Last year, North East Tree Services employed two new apprentices out of the event," Mr Oliver said. "We do small group visits to visit the employer so students can see more of what goes on at each workplace and then work experience follows, by which time students have a good understanding of the local business and industry opportunities. "We get a really good success rate following those placements because the students know what it is they're going to see." There was also a business networking lunch of about 300 people sponsored by CMV Truck & Bus, which invited exhibitors, sponsors, local schools, the education department, executives, mayors, and other guests in the corporate area to connect and discuss practices on supporting students pursuing career pathways.

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