Careers Expo a Golden Opportunity

The 2008 NETPAC Northern Rivers Careers Expo is a local initiative connecting business needing staff with job seekers. Its aim is to provide local school leavers and job seekers with genuine long term local career prospects addressing the skills shortages in the Northern Rivers area.

Economically it is vital for the region to retain and grow a skilled workforce and this is recognised by local group NETPAC and the Dept. of Education, Science and Training who support this event.
The Careers Expo is being held on Thursday 1st May 9.30am-3.30pm and Friday 2nd May 9.30am-3pm at Lismore TAFE campus, Conway Street, Lismore.

Exhibitors to date cover a wide variety of industries from the Defence Forces to Nursing and the Music Industry to Teaching. The success of the ‘Try a Trade’ exhibit in 2007 was outstanding. This exhibit alone has expanded to take an area 10 times the original size and now includes: Beauty Therapy, Auto Mechanics, Catering, Electrician, Building and Travel to name a few. ‘Try a Trade’ is hosted by Northern Rivers Group Training and Connect Workplace Learning.

Organiser Ashley Burke-Smith comments: “More schools attended last year than previously and there was greater attendance from Tweed, Murwillumbah and Banora Point. This local Expo is run by locals for locals and is recognised as a significant contributor to finding a solution to our skills shortages.”

With an increased focus on filling current jobs with immediate vacancies, NETPAC are encouraging local businesses to be part of in the 2008 Northern Rivers Careers Expo to promote their business/vocations to local school leavers and job seekers. Their aim is to open doors that many career seekers don’t know are available locally and businesses benefit by raising their profile in the community.

Local businesses can address local skills shortages by offering employment, traineeships and apprenticeships to school leavers and job seekers. Many local firms are starting to experience the ‘win win’ of gaining a new member of staff whilst helping boost the local economy and their own business. Results of exhibitor research carried out after the 2007 Expo showed that over 80% found the event ‘highly’ or ‘very’ useful. This included taking applications for jobs and apprenticeships as well as those signing up for courses.

Employers can literally give someone a skill, a job, and a career for life in an area of traditionally high unemployment. The loyalty and long-term business gains from this are immeasurable. For more information call 6685 4516.

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T: 02 6685 4516
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W: Northern Rivers Business magazine
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