Starting career conversations

Young people from across the region gathered at Gunnedah’s town hall last Thursday for the 2025 Youth Expo.

The expo, which was delivered by Gunnedah Shire Council, assisted students and young people by taking the first step in understanding how to start a career – which could be a conversation.

For others, it is arguably the best place to find freebies and lollies.

A new Zooper Dooper giveaway was in place for those teens who engaged well with stall holders.

Students from Gunnedah High School, St Mary’s College, Carinya, Quirindi High School and Coonabarabran High School, along with people from Gunnedah Workshop Enterprises attended.

Between opening in the morning to closing after midday, about 200 high school aged students and young people stopped by the expo.

All stall holders were appreciated for their attendance, but a special mention from council staff went to the defence force representatives. Other career path options at the stall were apprenticeship options, community colleges, universities, job finding assitance along with workplaces involved in media, mining, childcare, accounting, hospitality and more.

Someone who had information on regional apprenticeship options was Gavin Westbrook who represented Zeal Futures at the expo.

He said there were multiple teens interested in electrical and mobile plant apprenticeships. The company has contracts with local mining companies, which he believes is why young people have been so interested in what was on offer.

“We’re finding that it’s getting more [attention],” he said.

“The younger guys and girls both want to stay in the region.”

He said many aim to be close to family and friends or they may know someone already in the mining industry.

He said there were a couple of young people who had dreams to become a zoologist or to study geology but it was unfortunately not something he could help them with.

“But we can guide them in the right direction … [to] who they need to approach.”

From Gunnedah Community College, was campus coordinator Cassandra Dunstan who said there was a variety of interests. She made mention in particular to Certificate III in Community Services and Certificate III in Individual Support, Age/Disability, along with short courses regarding hospitality.

Cassandra praised the efforts in bringing stallholders together to show what options are available to young people.

“There was an excitement in the air from students looking at all the opportunities available to them on the day, whether it is further study, a traineeship, or an apprenticeships – having an opportunity to talk to education providers, possible employers and businesses all under the one roof makes better choices in future for the youth in Gunnedah,” she said.