Year 9 and 10 students from Echuca College, Echuca Twin Rivers Specialist School, Moama Anglican Grammar, St Joseph’s College and River City Christian College were spoilt for choice at the annual Beacon Careers Expo on May 31 with more than 60 presenters providing expert industry advice.
Prior to arriving to the expo, students were asked to complete a survey about their interests and strengths, with consultation from their career’s adviser.
Answers were then collated by Beacon who presented the students with an extensive list of workshops that might interest them and then the students were asked to select four 20-minute sessions to attend.
Among the many workshops were Echuca Regional Health, Headspace, Tattoo Nation, McDonald’s Echuca, Moama RSL and of course, Riverine Herald.
Beacon leader co-ordinator for Moama Anglican Grammar Curtis Townrow said the day was particularly helpful and useful to students who were confused and unsure about the career path they wanted to take.
“It’s a great way for students to get their foot in the door by interacting with local businesses that they might not otherwise get the opportunity to have a conversation with,” Mr Townrow said.
St Joseph’s College Beacon leader co-ordinator Beth Crossman said it was also a way to rule out career paths that students might have thought they were interested in, but realised through the expo that it was not for them.
“It may even help students to eliminate a few options and focus their attention on a particular pathway,” Ms Crossman said.
Beacon treasurer Mark Thomson said this was the first year that the Beacon Careers Expo had been able to run in two years.
“The past two years were a little different for us. We spoke to local business owners via video and sent the videos to the schools for students to use as a guide,” Mr Thomson said.
“We’re glad to be back holding a face-to-face interactive expo again but the videos have also proved to be a valuable resource. We will now endeavour to use both resources together as they complement each other quite well.”
Beacon Careers Expo project manager Jane Reid said they had received positive feedback from students and teachers about the day.
“It gives students the opportunity to ask questions, receive advice and figure out where they might like to undertake work experience,” Ms Reid said.
Ms Crossman said students and teachers from the school were incredibly grateful to the businesses who presented and Beacon who organised the event.
“This day would not have been possible without them giving up their time to converse and educate our students,” she said.