A bigger and bolder Y NSW Youth Careers Expo is set to showcase a huge array of career opportunities on the Central Coast this month in a vibrant, interactive setting at Lake Haven Precinct.
The Expo takes place on Thursday, September 15, and has never been more important for the future of young people, who are set to visit the Expo 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,” said Central Coast Youth Program Coordinator, Virginia Walshaw.
“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 nearly 700 students, from high schools, specialist education, support units and youth colleges.
The event runs 10am – 2pm and is open to all young people, schools, families and all 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,” said Walshaw.
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,” said Le Bron, who will attend the Expo.
“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.
But there will only be one exhibitor able to ‘transport’ students to the other side of the world.
Central Coast Virtual Reality (CCVR) will bring along their 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,” said CC Virtual Reality owner Jason McDonald, who is set to open a new store next month at Erina Fair.
“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!’ said MMAD ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Collaborations Coordinator, Jessica Alex.
The fully accessible and inclusive Expo will have specialist stands catering to all young people – mainstream students, young people of all abilities and our First Nations youth.
EVENT DETAILS
Where: Lake Haven Precinct, NSW, 2263.
When: 10am – 2pm, Thursday 15 September 2022
Editor Notes
• The Expo is backed by a Steering Committee that includes Council Youth Services, TAFE, Dept of Education, Central Coast Community Council, Barang Regional Alliance, NSW Police and Bara Barang.
• The 2021 Expo drew 369 young people and 64 adults.
