Guest speaker: Jayden Howe from headspace Echuca addressed the 350 students at the 2023 Beacon Foundation Careers Expo.
“The future belongs to those who prepare for it today.”
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Malcolm X first mentioned that quote in the 1960s and six decades on remains just as relevant.
The futures of 350 Echuca-Moama students were front and centre during the 2023 Beacon Foundation Careers Expo at Rich River Golf Club on Tuesday.
The Year 9 and 10 students from Echuca College, Moama Anglican Grammar School, St Joseph’s College, Twin Rivers Specialist School and River City Christian College had the opportunity to examine more than 50 industries.
Echuca Moama Beacon Foundation project manager Catherine Elms said the careers expo was a defining one on the calendar.
“To have 350 students from Year 9 and Year 10 take part in the expo is just fantastic,” Ms Elms said.
“We had 52 workshops in total for the students to gain insights into particular industries.
“This is the biggest one on the calendar.
“Earlier in the year we survey all the students and ask them about their thoughts on potential future career choices.
“The students list the top four industries they are interested in and then they get the chance to talk to industry specialists.”
Outside: Workshops were held inside and outside in the car park of the Rich River Golf Club.
Photo by
Gregor Mactaggart
Ms Elms said the buy-in from businesses had only helped grow the expo.
“We’re always blown away how willing the businesses are to be involved each year,” she said.
“We know they are busy people in their own industries, but it is great that they have come down today and spend some time with the students.
“They are enthusiastic, full of ideas, and make a telling contribution to this event.”
The industries which hosted workshops for the students were as follows:
Ms Elms also said there was a none of the above option for students unsure about what career course they wanted to follow.
“There were a number of students who checked out that option, which helped design your dream job,” she said.
Interest in media: Students Isabelle Chapman, Summah Gilmore-Turner, Cora Wilson and Ava Brown with Riverine Herald sales manager Laura Buckley.
Ten students gained insights from the Riverine Herald workshop from sales manager Laura Buckley and editor Gregor Mactaggart.
The expo opened with guest speakers Matt Dickson from Goulburn Murray Local Learning and Employment Network and headspace Echuca’s Jayden Howe.
Mr Dickson spoke about and displayed Vic VICE, a new virtual reality platform where students can explore the world of work.
Mr Howe shared his own life experiences and his journey to his current role as headspace Echuca’s community awareness officer.
“Gone are the days of 40-year careers in the one job,” Mr Howe said.
“Keep moving forward, keep learning, keep growing ... and don’t be afraid to change.”
Finally, Ms Elms thanked all involved with putting on the expo.
“It is logistically our biggest and most important event of the year,” she said.
“The (student) leaders are heavily involved throughout and everyone with the Echuca-Moama Beacon Foundation.
“Thanks to all of the industries who have come along today and participated, and thanks to the Rich River Golf Club for hosting this event, they have been just amazing.”
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