Opportunities: Hands on Trades Career Expo director Annette Borradale from NE Tracks LLEN and Jodie Fleming, CEO of Tomorrow Today which is sponsoring workplace visits for students from schools in Benalla to help them learn more about career options in the region.
Photo by
Contributed
The team at NE Tracks LLEN is busy preparing for its annual Hands On Trades Career Expo at Winton Raceway on August 15.
Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content
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.
Engaging: North East Tree Services had its cherry picker and climbing equipment for students to try at the NE LLEN Hands On Trades Career Expo in 2023.
Photo by
Simon Ruppert
“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.
Interactive: Students had fun operating the CFA fire hose at the NE LLEN Hands On Trades Career Expo in 2023.
Photo by
Simon Ruppert
“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.
Opportunity to learn: The ADF had several vehicles at the NE LLEN Hands On Trades Career Expo in 2023.
Photo by
Simon Ruppert
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.
High-tech: One of the highlights of the 2023 NE LLEN Hands On Trades Career Expo was the Boston Dynamics robot dog.
Photo by
Simon Ruppert
Some are offered apprenticeships when they leave school as employers look to secure the best local talent coming through.
