Northern Grampians Shire employees have given some of the area’s young people an insight into their working lives at two Careers Month forums.
Officers from a wide range of Council departments addressed students from local secondary schools at the two forums, which were part of Careers Month, organised by the Central Grampians Local Learning and Employment Network. The officers explained what skills were needed to work in their particular field, what they liked about their positions and the training and education needed for their position.
“Careers Month was a great opportunity for our staff to give the youth of the area an insight into the many different ways of achieving their career goals,” said the Mayor, Karen Douglas. “The Youth Careers Expo provided the opportunity for us to share our knowledge and encourage young people in their future endeavours. It was also great to demonstrate that there are many varied jobs and exciting career opportunities located in their home town. They don’t have to leave the area to find a job in their chosen career.”
Staff from infrastructure, parks and gardens, engineering, town planning, information technology, childrens’ services, home and community care, leisure services, tourism and media and communications departments talked about their jobs.
Students also visited other employers in the area such as Seppelts Winery, Stawell Regional Health, and Eventide Homes. The Careers Month forum talks also gave students an insight into different study options and information about traineeships and apprenticeships, demonstrating that university was not the only education option.
“Our aim in hosting Careers Month was to bring the various factions of our region together who are committed to improving the outcomes of our community’s young people,” said Lauren Shea, Local Learning and Employment Network Careers Month Coordinator. “These included local employers and business, education and training providers, and the secondary schools and students themselves. It is vital that the youth of our region are aware of the employment opportunities that exist here in their home towns, so as to provide mutual benefit to both employers and students.”
For further information, contact Leah Heinreich, Communications and Marketing Officer, on (03) 5358 8749, or email heinrichl@ngshire.vic.gov.au
