Stepping into future

By SHAUN INGUANZO
ALMOST 3000 young people passed through the doors of Swinburne University’s Lilydale campus for a careers expo on Tuesday, 26 July.
The Footsteps to the Future Employment, Training and Careers expo contained 75 stalls, manned by local employers, emergency services and volunteer groups for three hours as students from 13 secondary schools throughout the shire investigated career opportunities.
Shire of Yarra Ranges Youth Services team leader Martin Fidler said the expo was the result of two months of careful planning, and was the only event of its type on offer throughout the shire.
“Its purpose is to give young people in the Shire a local expo so they can explore pathways to education or training for future employment.”
Mr Fidler said it was also a chance for local employers and volunteer groups to recruit local people.
“The good thing is, young people can learn about local options.
“If they want to stay in the community, they will know what their options for training and employment are.”
Mooroolbark College year 10 and 11 students David Waterman and Matt Wilson said they had found the expo to be helpful.
Mr Waterman said he was looking for a music recording career and had spotted a training course.
Mr Wilson said he wished to pursue a carpentry apprenticeship with Apprenticeships Victoria, based in Croydon and on display at the expo.
There was a strong presence from emergency services including the Yarra Ranges division of St John Ambulance.
Present with resuscitation practice doll ‘Maree’, volunteers Tony Morgan and John Allwood said they were on the hunt for new recruits.
Mr Morgan said new volunteers were always welcome by contacting Diane Dickson on 0417 304 974.