Success for Southern Catholic College Careers Expo 2024

More than 2000 students attended Catholic Education Tasmania’s second annual Southern Catholic College Careers Expo, to learn about pathways they can take to employment in the coming years.

Held on Thursday 23 May, at MAC 02 on Hobart’s waterfront, years 9-12 students from our Southern CET schools had the opportunity to meet with over 50 different stallholders spanning diverse industries.

Event Organisers Marisa Newman and Jill Miles, from CET, said students benefited from this one-of-a-kind opportunity to consider their future career paths, and at such a crucial time in their lives.

“It is really important because these students know that their formal schooling is coming to an end and it is time to think about what is next,” Marisa said.

“The expo provides them with the opportunity to learn more about roles they are interested in, learn about the roles you don’t know much about, and hopefully to find something that sparks their curiosity.”

St Aloysius Catholic College Year 10 student Jamieson Alpine found the expo to be informative.

“There are a few careers that stand out to me, especially being a paramedic, but expos like this allow you to have a look around and consider some other ideas."

Classmate Erin Cocker also benefited from the day.

“It gives us more insight into what we can do in our futures."

Stallholders spanned a variety of industries including construction, emergency services, defence, finance, childcare, IT, tourism, hospitality, teaching and more.

“We are so grateful that so many organisations have come together at this year's Careers Expo to provide opportunities for our students to learn more about what is possible for them as they transition into the workforce or further education,” Jill said.

“The Expo has been a collaborative effort over many months and to see students so engaged with the exhibitors is very rewarding.”

The rare opportunity for businesses, school careers educators and students to interact in the one place was a major drawcard of the day.

Employment outcomes have already been achieved since the inaugural 2023 expo, with students gaining apprenticeships and commencing programs that they were first exposed to on the day.

“The expo puts the right people in touch so they can form those relationships. This is a starting point, so they can continue on from here with work placements and work experience - but those initial conversations all started here,” Marisa said.

If Marisa could give one piece of advice to any year 9-12 student considering their future career path, it would be to value each and every work opportunity afforded to them.

“Know that everything you learn once you are in the workforce is valuable. It doesn’t matter whether it is your first, second or third job - every opportunity moves you forward. There are no lost opportunities and nothing is ever wasted, just learn every single thing you can and take it forward with you and make the most of it.”