A UNIQUE and engaging event for local high school students, with a focus on promoting vocational education and training pathways, is heading to Muswellbrook this week.
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The Skills and Thrills Careers Showcase will cater for almost 700 pupils at two venues on Thursday, May 16.
Youngsters from St Joseph's High Aberdeen, Scone Grammar and Muswellbrook High are scheduled to attend the first session at Muswellbrook Cinema from 11am until noon.
The second will take place at Muswellbrook High School between 2pm and 3pm.
The NSW Government spent $285 million to offer 100,000 fee-free apprenticeships starting mid-last year - demonstrating that it is the nation's priority to support and encourage the Vocational Education and Training (VET) sector.
And, there has never been a more important time to educate students, parents and educators on the benefits of VET pathways for a rewarding career and fulfilling life.
The showcase combines film, music and valuable career information, delivered in an innovative way through a one-hour presentation.
It allows students to hear from many people, including NRL ambassadors who have undertaken an apprenticeship or traineeship, NSW Training Award representatives who represent the best in the VET sector, TAFE NSW delegates and local industry partners.
Pupils will learn first-hand from the guest speakers about the opportunities that exist through vocational training and the avenues their studies have taken them down on the path to career success.
TAFE NSW Ambassador and supporter of VET pathways Courtney Hardwick, who completed a Diploma of Marketing, will attend on the day to share her story with the students.
The Skills and Thrills Career Showcase covers 10 vocational sectors from traditional trade areas such as building and construction, healthcare, animal care, beauty and hair to digital and IT, ensuring the show content is of interest to a wide audience.
It will highlight information on industry trends and jobs of the future, with a focus on local, regional and national career opportunities.
Supported by the NSW Department of Industry and presented by SkillsOne, the show assists students to connect their passion to a career pathway, highlights the breath of opportunities available through vocational education and training and links pupils with resources to enable them to make informed choices.
"Skills and Thrills is all about exciting young people into careers," NSW Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional New South Wales, Industry and Trade John Barilaro said.
"And, the best way to do that is to actually showcase a diversity - by having genuine people talking about their life journey, their work journey.
"We also want to deliver in a way that excites young people - and we haven't done that in the past.
"Formerly, we'd give someone a flyer to take home and speak to mum and dad about an opportunity.
"But, we want young people to take ownership of their career, of their future... and we can do it through animation and music - having inspirational speakers and having examples of the sort of careers available.
"I think that's what's exciting, unique and different.
"Hopefully those who come, walk away being inspired about an opportunity through Vocational Education."
