Press release written by Left Field Publications
Sutherland Shire students have given a big ‘thumbs up’ to the second annual Broaden Your Horizons Careers Fair held at Sharks Leagues Club on Thursday 21 July 2016.
More than 600 students in years 10-12 in the Shire attended the Careers Fair created by Cronulla Sharks and its development partner Capital Bluestone. The students heard from 40 stallholders in industries such as sport, construction, engineering, art, the environment, finance, hospitality, law, communications, real estate, Defence Forces and emergency services, along with a range of educational institutions such as TAFE, universities and private colleges.
A survey of students found that 91 per cent would recommend the Fair to other students, and 84 per cent had learned about a new industry or career that interested them.
Capital Bluestone Managing Director Ben Fairfax, who was the original visionary behind the event, put the Fair’s popularity down to its interactive nature.
“We wanted to make sure students could get a real insight into the day-to-day activities in a range of professions and industries so the stalls have been as interactive as possible,” he says.
“From 360-degree augmented reality goggles to spark their interest in innovation, to physical exercises with the trainers from Live Life Get Active; the students gained hands-on experience and insight that will hopefully help set them on a prosperous career path.”
Students from Caringbah High School, Cronulla High School, Endeavour Sports High School and Woolooware High School took part in the Careers Fair again this year.
Sutherland Shire Council Mayor Carmelo Pesce says it’s important to set local youths up with the knowledge and direction needed to help them pursue employment or education opportunities.
"It was great to see how many opportunities are out there for young people as they prepare to enter the workforce,” he says.
“Sutherland Shire Council is the Shire's largest employer and we are proud to be able to offer career paths to our local students in areas spanning the traditional areas like park maintenance, engineering and surveying and garbage collection, as well as other industries like the arts, sport and fitness, childcare, and IT."
Sharks Group Chief Executive Officer Lyall Gorman says: “This has been another incredibly successful event following on from last year’s inaugural Fair that received a Highly Commended Award at the ClubsNSW 2016 Clubs & Community Awards.”
“Today was all about connecting young people to work experience and training opportunities so it’s great to hear that the students found the Fair worthwhile and helpful.”
Feedback from students:
Abby Adams, year 10, Cronulla High School “It was really good to talk to people about how they actually got into their career, if they went to TAFE or uni or what subjects they studied at school. It gave me a good idea of what to do if I want to get a job in that field.”
Ellie Esquilant, year 10, Cronulla High School “I was interested to hear about all the careers and what the job is really going to be like. It was really good because I’m deciding between three different paths so it’s given me more of an insight into what each career is going to be like and what one I might excel at. I’m leaning towards law, but also like social work and teaching. We have to choose our electives in the coming weeks for next year and today helped show us what subjects are really going to help us.”
Evan Graham, year 10, Cronulla High School “I liked the interactive element to test my skills and interests. I drew something over at the creative industries stand, which was pretty cool because I like to draw. And with the personal training, they got you right into doing the exercises so you could experience the job. It’s hands-on experience of what that career might look like. It’s much more beneficial than just having a chat to someone. Today has definitely given me ideas of what I’d like to do when I leave school.”
