Around 550 students recently attended the ETAN Careers Expo in Emerald.

This incentive organised through the Employment, Education, and Training Advisory Network (ETAN) encourages young people to think about their future and the importance of getting an education to improve job prospects.

 by Gai Sypher, Operations & Project Manager at CQUniversity's Emerald Learning Centre

The intention is to engage students with people working in the chosen professions by not just talking to them about their job, but also reinforcing the importance of staying at school and improving their skills, allowing for greater career choice.

The expo featured a total of 24 exhibitors, a reduction in numbers from previous years.   Many former exhibitors indicated the cost of travel, the lack of accommodation in the region and the shortage of staff resources as reasons for not attending.

Regardless, there was a range of universities, mining companies, community organisations, retailers, and apprenticeship/traineeship providers. This gave students the chance to see what was available to them locally and beyond the region.            

Kelly Appleton, Expo Coordinator, said the day went really well, and she was impressed with the number of students who attended.  The disappointing aspect was the lack of exhibitors. Ms Appleton said "rural schools have limited access to career information and there will be a big drive to increase the number of exhibitors for next year".