SOUTHERN Grampians will be hosting the first Jobs and Skills Pathway Expo on July 16 and 17, ensuring all will have the opportunity to explore diverse career opportunities and pathways.

The two jam-packed days will be for anyone who is a student, a career changer, re-entering the workforce or just wanting to see what opportunities await in the region. 

With 27 registered dynamic exhibitors from various industries, this event has promised to be an enriching experience, offering attendees a chance to explore career pathways, get inspired, plan the future and establish networks.

Southern Grampians Jobs and Skills Pathway Committee chair, Ursula Murphy said the event has been organised by a committee of local industry representatives and lead agency Glenelg and Southern Grampians Local Learning Employment Network (GSGLLEN). 

“Our experience has been to fill a lot of the roles in Health and Agriculture, we have to be targeting people in their 20s and 30s shifting across or coming back into the workplace,” she said.

“We want to encourage people to look at our options to getting into the workplace.”

Attendees will have the opportunity to meet professionals from diverse fields and gain insights into different career options, hear success stories and learn about the journeys of industry experts, gather valuable information on employers, education, employment and student support services.

Ms Murphy said there will be significant opportunities for attendants to connect with potential mentors and build relationships that could shape futures.

“The Skills and Jobs Centre will be there - they will be providing a job board for opportunities available with local and regional organisations, provide resume and interview advice, and also pathway advice about what training people may need to do,” she said.

Ms Murphy said Genhealth, Meridian Agriculture, Vickery Bros and WDHS will be some of the leading local industries showcasing the type of skills and jobs that sit within their industry.

“As well as those, us at South West TAFE and RIST will be there to help people talk about how they could upskill and change their career pathways,” she said.

“Deakin University will also be there for those who are looking for the tertiary pathway options.

“The key target are those people who are looking for a change of career or upskilling, however we encourage parents to bring students and open that conversation with young people about what they would like to do.”

Catering will be provided by Are-able with Two Doors Café supporting with coffees and hot drinks. 

The expo will be held on Tuesday, July 16 from 3-6pm and Wednesday, July 17 from 9.30am-3pm at the Hamilton Performing Arts Centre.

Anyone wishing to find out more information about the Expo can email tiana@gsgllen.org.au