By BRIDGET COOK
STUDENTS from across the region got to try their hand at more than 55 different career choices at the South East Try a Trade and Careers Expo on Tuesday.
More than 1650 students from Casey, Cardinia and Greater Dandenong schools packed Cranbourne Turf Club for the event, run by the South East Local Learning and Employment Network (SELLEN) in conjunction with the City of Casey.
The expo showcases a range of potential career paths for young people with interactive exhibits, as well as gives students the opportunity to meet representatives from local training organisations and universities.
SELLEN workplace learning co-ordinator Mandy Stevens said the event was a huge success, with students gaining a lot from the experience.
“Our exhibits have to have something hands-on for the students to do and they just keep getting better every year,” he said.
“I spoke to a lot of students on the day who said it had opened their eyes to the different career paths out there.
“Students tend to not think outside of the square, and we aim to show them the vast range of what’s available, from glazing, plastering, interaction entertainment and landscaping.
“We had kids making coffee and ice cream and decorating cakes. There was a great variety.”
Ms Stevens said they differed from other career expos given they were more interactive.
“Everything is hands-on,” she said.
“It gives students the opportunity to get a feel for the trade.
“They are going to go away and remember it, rather than with a show bag with pamphlets that they’ll probably never read.”
Ms Stevens said she wanted to thank the City of Casey and Cranbourne Turf Club for their support in the exhibition and help to make it possible.
