THE wide range of career pathways in the region has been highlighted at SuniTAFE Swan Hill Campus’ annual careers open day.
Students, school leavers, job seekers and career changers were all in attendance to hear from SuniTAFE and a range of local businesses.
Representatives from Headspace, Swan Hill District Health, Victoria Police and the Australian Defence Force were present to speak with interested individuals.
Those at the open day also gained knowledge about the courses available at SuniTAFE through all education departments, including Nursing and Trades.
SuniTAFE chief executive Brett Millington said Swan Hill had provided the perfect weather for the day, after last year’s event was rain-affected.
“What a beautiful day of weather we have been given this year,” he said.
“It’s just fantastic to be able to welcome all of the local schools, as well as a lot of local people here into the campus, to show them what we have to offer and that there are so many opportunities here.
“There’s also a number of local businesses that have come along to show what their wares are as part of the careers open day.
“It really helps people to understand the facilities that we have here, such as the skills and jobs centre, which is really about helping people to find employment.”
Mr Millington said he wanted to see TAFE as more than just a place to learn a trade.
“Obviously the main thing that people identify with is the trade’s side of TAFE,” he said.
“But there is just so many other different elements to what we offer here, that can all provide different career pathways.
“A person might be on one career pathway at the moment but thinking about what else could be available, they can have a look at some study options and create a new pathway for themselves.
“It doesn’t matter if you’re coming out of school, or if you already have or have had existing employment.”
Mr Millington explained that career open days also provided opportunities for local businesses to gain employees.
“They get the chance to get their names and the opportunities that they can provide out to young people, and anyone else who comes along,” he said.
“Days like today give those businesses direct exposure to young people, all businesses are crying out for employees at the moment, and that’s including us.
“It’s a great way for us to showcase to potential people who might want to get employed and work in the TAFE sector that there are opportunities to work here with us.”
For anyone looking for a new career path or to find new pathways to their dream job, Mr Millington suggested speaking to SuniTAFE’s Skills and Job Centre.
“For people who aren’t sure if TAFE is for them, I’d just encourage you to come in and see what we offer here, and check out our skills and job centre,” he said.
“The team in there aren’t going to come up to you and say that you have to do a TAFE course, they are going to ask you what you’re looking for and your areas of interest.
“In our community services area, 100 per cent of our graduates have ended up employed, there’s a great opportunity in that space.
“It’s really all about how someone can best position themselves to be employable, and we know there are lots of employers out there locally.”
