Thousands of Victorian secondary school students today moved a step closer to landing their dream job by attending the 14th annual Melbourne Career Expo.
Minister for Education James Merlino officially opened the Expo, and encouraged students and job seekers to look to Victoria’s major growth industries when considering their future.
The Andrews Labor Government has identified six key sectors that are primed for extraordinary growth, which will be targeted to create 100,000 jobs as part of the Back to Work plan.
These include medical technology and pharmaceuticals, food and fibre, new energy technology, and transport, defence and construction technology.
Industry representatives, universities, TAFEs, training providers and employers are among the 200 exhibitors spruiking job opportunities and courses at the three day Expo.
Mr Merlino said that preparing young Victorians for the jobs of the future is central to transforming Victoria into the Education State.
The Labor Government has committed funding to a range of initiatives that will pave the careers of young Victorians, which includes the $320 million TAFE Rescue Fund and $125 million to establish 10 Tech Schools across Victoria.
The $50 million TAFE Back to Work Fund has also been secured, which will support TAFE institutes to partner with industry to provide more training in growing and emerging industries.
The Labor Government is supporting students to access the very best career support and advice through initiatives such as the:
- Engaging Parents in Career Conversations (EPiCC), an online resource to support parents and carers with conversations about subject choices, courses and careers
- Victorian Skills Gateway, a portal for all vocational training which allows Victorians to search by occupation, course, study area or training provider
- Victorian Careers Curriculum Framework, which supports schools to integrate career advice across the school environment
Quotes attributable to Minister for Education James Merlino
“This Expo is a great way to explore the many exciting choices for young Victorians about to start training, tertiary study or work.”
“We encourage all students to look beyond traditional pathways to opportunities in Victoria’s growth industries. Labor is 100 per cent focused on preparing young Victorians for the jobs of the future.”
“In the Education State, Victorians of all backgrounds will gain the skills they need to succeed in Victoria’s fast-changing economy.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020