Presented by the Rotary Club of Aurora Gungahlin, the Canberra CareersXpo will be held on August 9 and 10 across two pavilions at the Exhibition Park in Canberra (EPIC).

PRESENTED by the Rotary Club of Aurora Gungahlin, the Canberra CareersXpo will be held across two pavilions at the Exhibition Park (EPIC).

“IF you’re a teenager wondering what career path you should aim towards, or someone looking for a change, then the Canberra CareersXpo just might help you find something that’s right for you,” says a CareersXpo spokesperson.

“It’s running on August 9 and 10, presented in association with the Rotary Club of Aurora Gungahlin in two pavilions at Exhibition Park in Canberra (EPIC),” they say.

“There’s over 140 local and interstate exhibitors ready to help you find a suitable job.

“We’re full to the brim with numerous exhibitors offering training or jobs in cybersecurity, childcare, teacher training, flight training, defence, hospitality, the disability sector, horticulture, building, electronics, surveying and the police force.”

The spokesperson says career advisers will be located in the corridor between the Coorong and Budawang buildings.

“They are keen to help you with your job choices or your job application so stop for a chat and discover your potential,” they say.

“Seminars will be held throughout the whole CareersXpo. Topics include medical entry myths busted, security industry, MSS Security and scholarship, discover your exchange, neurodiversity advantage, and helping your teenager with career planning.

“The guest speaker is Dr Brad Tucker, astrophysicist and cosmologist at the ANU. He will be presenting stories about his research into supernovae and his cosmic career trajectory.”

CareersXpo, Exhibition Park In Canberra. August 9 from 9am-3pm and 4pm to 8pm, August 10 from 9am-2.30pm. Visit careersxpo.com.au

Supporting autism-spectrum students into work

EMPLOY For Ability opened in 2019 to support people who are on the autism spectrum and transitioning into work, says managing director David Smith.

“We are promoting our School Leavers Employment Support Program for students on the autism spectrum with an NDIS plan that is self managed or plan managed,” he says.

“Eighty per cent of our school-leaver clients gain award-wage work within 12 months of commencing our programs.

“Ninety-five per cent are still employed 12 months after gaining employment. We are a specialist in neurodiversity, so we have tailored courses that are holistic, looking at the whole person.

“We offer training as well as social group programs, including time management training, finance skills, employment pursuit programs and work-ready social groups, as well as Dungeons and Dragons, chess and a garden group.”

David says he did not realise it at the time, but his journey began when his third child, Ollie, was born.

“Annie and I knew he was different. He was diagnosed with autism at four, and we went through a roller coaster of emotions,” he says.

“As a family we have grown to understand autism and to see the strengths Ollie has, his delightful attitude, his sense of equality and justice. He is a blessing and intrinsic part of my life, and the reason I purposely started my neurodiversity employment journey in 2016.”

Employ For Ability. Call 1300 619768, or visit employforability.com.au

Supporting people through apprenticeships

FOR more than 40 years, HVTC Group has supported more than 30,000 people through skills training and employment opportunities in NSW, says CEO Sharon Smith.

“We have over 750 current apprentices and trainees employed across a network of over 200 host employers,” she says.

“Vocational education and training pathways provide the foundations for people to excel in their career and education journeys and are key to creating a pipeline of skilled workers for Australia’s future.

“HVTC Group’s regional footprint includes the northern rivers, north coast, north-west, mid-coast, Hunter, central coast, Sydney, Illawarra, Shoalhaven, southern tablelands, and southern NSW regions, as well as the ACT.

“This allows us to provide opportunities across a wide range of industries for both urban and regional communities.”

Sharon says through the Registered Training Organisation, the Central Coast Community College, HVTC delivers nationally accredited programs both face to face and online, including full qualifications and customised training packages.

“HVTC apprenticeship and traineeship pathways offer a valuable opportunity to gain real on the job experience with a host employer while also completing a qualification,” she says.

“You’ll also earn a wage and receive ongoing mentoring and support from HVTC to ensure you successfully complete your training.”

HVTC. Call 1800 247864, or visit hvtc.com.au

Victoria’s immersive classroom experience on show

THE Victorian Department of Education is taking its immersive classroom experience on tour as part of its teacher recruitment campaign – Teach the Future, says a spokesperson.

“This month we are travelling to the Canberra CareersXpo 2023, to illustrate to aspiring teachers what their future as a teacher in Victoria could look like,” they say.

“At the classroom activation, you can learn about pathways into roles as educators and teachers in early childhood, primary and secondary education, and speak to real life educators about their own experience in the profession.

“The Victorian government is investing in making sure its teachers have better pay, greater professional development possibilities and more diverse career opportunities.

“Victoria is a wonderful place to live and work, especially if you’re a teacher. With a wide range of positions available, as well as employment incentives for recent graduates, there’s never been a better time to make the move.”

Working in Victoria provides the perfect opportunity to grow a career and progress teaching skills, says the spokesperson.

“Drop by booth 137-140 at the Canberra CareersXpo 2023 and learn how

rewarding a career as a teacher in Victoria could be,” they say.

Victorian Department of Education. Visit vic.gov.au/teachthefuture

Fully-funded training in security services

MSS Security is a national provider of security services, operating in Australia for more than 100 years, says national talent acquisition manager Rebecca Edwards.

“With our skilled workforce of over 6000 nationally, we provide services across a range of industries including arts, events and recreation, aviation, commercial property, data and communication, education, energy and resources, financial services, government, health, industrial and manufacturing, and maritime and logistics,” she says.

“MSS Security is a multi-award-winning employer of choice. Our employees enjoy working with us because we have a high people and culture focus, offer extensive development and progression opportunities, provide stability and certainty in a role, work collaboratively together and are high achievement focused; and because we know how to have a good time whilst getting the job done.”

Rebecca says at the CareersXpo, MSS Security is offering a fully funded training-to-employment pathway into the security industry.

“This includes the cost of a nationally recognised qualification and cost associated with obtaining an ACT Security Licence,” she says.

“The MSS Security Scholarship Program began in September 2021, with 160+ graduates commencing employment.

“MSS Security is passionate about growing our team and providing long-term employment opportunities for anyone wishing to join the security industry.”

MSS Security, visit msssecurity.com.au/employments/scholarships

Personalised and flexible learning for students

TRAINING program manager of Kirra Services Trish Young says in recent years there has been a growing recognition of the need to break down traditional education barriers that have long hindered students from achieving their full potential.

“This is particularly true in rural areas and within indigenous communities,” she says.

“Kirra Services Cyber Career Starter Program seeks to provide students with a more personalised and flexible learning experience, tailored to individual needs and learning styles.”

The program aims to address the shortage of cybersecurity specialists in Australia by facilitating increased participation of indigenous and regional individuals in the information and communications technology and cybersecurity industry, says Trish.

“At Kirra Services, we understand the need for community and the importance of the connections it brings. Part of our aim is to ensure that the needs of community members are kept first in mind,” she says.

“Boasting partnerships with both (ISC)2 and Cisco Networking Academy, the program is backed up with tailored learning support services, mentoring, optional vendor training and an intern program designed to build practical skills within the workplace.

“The program specifically targets regional areas and emphasises the inclusion of indigenous participants, women and neuro-diverse individuals.

“By providing practical training, career coaching, mentoring and internship programs, the program aims to empower indigenous and regional individuals to pursue successful careers in cybersecurity, contributing to the growth of the industry in Australia.”

Kirra Services, Unit 1/19 Barry Drive, Turner. Call 6210 1096, or visit kirraservicesacademy.com.au

Pathway to career success for apprentices and trainees

SARINA Russo Apprenticeships (SRA) works with apprentices and trainees to give them an opportunity to earn income and gain skills and qualifications that are beneficial for their future, says business relationship manager ACT, Sue Black.

“As well as on-the-job training in a workplace, apprentices learn under the guidance of a Registered Training Organisation (RTO),” she says.

“By the end of your apprenticeship or traineeship, you will have earned a nationally recognised qualification that will open up multiple career pathways.

“No matter what industry, SRA has extensive employer networks across the ACT from construction to corporate business to care and support services.”

Sue says SRA will support apprentices and trainees through their entire apprenticeship and will assist them with finding the right fit for their career path, “through locking in the right RTO and helping them to lodge paperwork, manage all government incentives and keep them on track with mentoring services.”

“One apprentice who has benefitted from partnering with SRA is named Bethany,” she says.

“With assistance from SRA, she signed up to a carpentry apprenticeship with Blue Eco Homes.

“After starting her apprenticeship, she found some male tradesmen still didn’t believe that construction was a place for women. She started an Instagram account to advocate for women and show them that a trade is a career path for everyone.” 

Sarina Russo Apprenticeships, 15 Wiluna Street, Fyshwick. Call 1300 178776, or visit sarinarusso.com