The team at NE Tracks LLEN is busy preparing for its annual Hands On Trades Career Expo at Winton Raceway on August 15.
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Employers from across the north-east present a hands-on experience for students to try out.
Students will see a range of different businesses demonstrating activities that take place in their industry.
NE Tracks LLEN CEO Tim Oliver said this year’s expo will be bigger than ever, with new and returning employers keen to engage with local students who are the workforce of the future.
“Last year, North East Tree Services sent some students up a gum tree in a harness while others cut timber with a chainsaw,” Mr Oliver said.
“They climbed in and around heavy army vehicles, changed tyres on the GOTAFE Tesla, did some welding with Delatite Steel.
“(Some) tried their hand at packaging with Merriwa Industries, operated the CFA firehose, ran a 3D printer and put a robotic dog through its paces.
“Everywhere you looked, there was something interesting to try.”
Following the expo, which will see more than 1000 secondary students attend, the LLEN arranges for visits to workplaces.
In small groups, students attend one or more of the exhibiting employers to learn even more about what goes on in businesses around the region.
After that, students can undertake work experience placements, with many gaining after-school and holiday part-time work.
Some are offered apprenticeships when they leave school as employers look to secure the best local talent coming through.