Young job seekers looking for direction can find some answers at a free careers expo at Sunbury later this month.
With youth unemployment in the north-west hovering around 20 per cent, Central Ranges Local Learning and Employment Network (LLEN) chief executive Trent McCarthy said it was important for young people to map out a career plan.
He said the newly expanded Sunbury and Gisborne Careers and Jobs Expo was a great place to start with more than 45 exhibitors, including employers, universities and training providers, on hand to provide ideas and advice.
‘‘The whole idea is to encourage them to really step back and think about their career,’’ Mr McCarthy said.
Gisborne’s Carly Barker is someone who has successfully followed local pathways. Ms Barker completed a medical administration traineeship with Gisborne Medical while still a student at Gisborne Secondary College. She’s now studying for a nursing qualification while working at the clinic.
‘‘I worked one day a week, every day for a year, which didn’t interrupt school and gave me a real head-start,’’ she said.
‘‘With so many things being online, you don’t necessarily have to travel … it’s definitely worth looking into the options that are out there.’’
Gisborne Medical general manager Riwka Hagen said ongoing training was a major part of the clinic’s workplace philosophy, making its involvement in the jobs expo a natural fit.
‘‘From medical to nursing to admin, our organisation is a great example of the many options available locally,’’ Ms Hagen said.
Central Ranges LLEN is partnering with Hume Whittlesea LLEN to promote this year’s expo. Hume and Macedon Ranges councils and the Sunbury Business Association are also on board.
Association vice-president Marnie Harding said the expo would provide information about the many career and employment pathways available in the area.
‘‘SBA sees this expo as extremely important for Sunbury and Gisborne as it will help shape our children’s future and benefit our community in many ways,’’ Ms Harding said.
The free expo is at Sunbury Memorial Hall from 3.30 to 6.30pm on July 22.
Details: email wendy.m@hwllen.com.au
