Buzz of opportunity at Careers Day Out

By Pip Turton

May 12, 2025

Hands-on and future-focused, Careers Day Out was a hit with over 3000 students.

The buzz was unmistakable as 3172 students from 32 schools across northern Victoria streamed into the Multipurpose Pavilion at Shepparton Showgrounds for Careers Day Out — a high-energy, hands-on showcase of education, training and employment pathways.

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Held on Thursday, May 8, the region’s largest careers expo brought together 93 exhibitors, including local businesses, training providers, universities and industry leaders, all eager to connect with the next generation of workers.

From the moment the gates opened, the excitement was palpable.

Show bags and freebies filled students’ hands, alongside career pamphlets and brochures.

Students were fully immersed in a wide range of opportunities:

Programming security systems with Watters Electrical
Racing to perform CPR and learning about health at the Health Hub
Testing water quality on Goulburn Murray Water’s Skid Track
Building a cubby house with J Vella Builders for a local organisation
Hosting radio segments with ONE FM
Picking up wheelie bins with Foott Waste in its garbage truck
Curing cheese with Saputo Dairy Australia, where students also enjoyed tasty samples

The Australian Defence Force stall drew a crowd, while GenesisCare impressed with interactive radiotherapy simulations.

GOTAFE offered insights into courses across hospitality, trades and beyond.

“I’ve got a Year 10 son at the moment as well, he’s been here since this morning, so it’s good ... it’s interesting from a parent’s point of view as well as an educator’s,” GOTAFE’s Jarrod Taylor said.

Universities including Deakin, La Trobe, ACU, University of Melbourne, Federation University and Victoria University were also on site, highlighting further study options.

Meanwhile, KFC promoted the value of part-time work and career progression within its team.

Local employers were just as excited as the students.

“We were thrilled by the interest students showed,” Moira Shire Council’s Dean Machin said.

“They weren’t just curious, they were genuinely excited to learn what our industry offers.”

Students echoed the sentiment.

“Seeing all the different universities and how you can take different pathways has been really interesting,” Goulburn Valley Grammar School Year 8 student Charvintha Jyothi said.

“All the opportunities they give, and how they show us what to do to get there, has been great,” St Mary of the Angels Year 10 student Izaak Hopkins said.

Organised by the Goulburn Murray Local Learning and Employment Network with support from Greater Shepparton City Council, the event was tailored to reflect the region’s unique workforce needs.

Mayor Shane Sali praised its continued success.

“Careers Day Out continues to be a highlight for our young people. It gives them a real taste of the diverse, hands-on career opportunities right here in our region,” Cr Sali said.

GMLLEN reported the one-day event ran smoothly, with the new site layout ensuring great traffic flow and allowing students to fully engage with all exhibitors.

Schools were equally enthusiastic.

“It was a fabulous event — our students had a great time, and we’re already looking forward to next year,” a spokesperson for Sacred Heart College Yarrawonga said.

“Our students were buzzing on the way home,” a spokesperson for Cobram Secondary College said.

For students, the event opened doors; and for businesses, it sparked future possibilities.