The BUSY School ‘NO LIMITS – Careers Expo’ 2024

Held today at The BUSY School Coolangatta Campus, the NO LIMITS – Careers Expo offered The BUSY School students in the South-East Queensland region the opportunity to explore career pathways to support their future success.

With interactive workshops and a range of industry employers, education facilities and training organisations exhibiting, students had the chance to gain information and participate in hands-on workshops, offering them a glimpse into different trades.

Cohan, a Year 12 student and Student Leader from the Coolangatta campus shared his excitement about the expo, stating, “I’m excited about how many people are actually interested in giving us opportunities and being able to see what we can do.” As a Student Leader, Cohan acts as a bridge between the students and teachers to assist with any struggles students may be having.

“At my previous school, I didn’t really like it and I had an attitude of, ‘oh well, I’ll just do whatever, maybe mechanics’, but now that I really like school since coming here, I want to do something I enjoy.

“I’ll probably go to Southern Cross University, and I want to be a teacher. I’d like to work at an alternative school, mainly a secondary school like The BUSY School. I’d love to work in a school like this; I believe these types of schools are more personalised and more suited to most students these days.”

Jasper and Seth, Year 11 students from the Shailer Park campus, also attended the day. Both are interested in construction and have already started a school-based apprenticeship. They are taking the opportunity to connect with potential future employers who attended the day.

Jasper said, “The expo is great as we can suss out future job opportunities; it’s a good way to try and find work. I’m interested in construction, and I’m already doing a school-based apprenticeship in construction landscaping.”

Dahna Woods, representing Study Gold Coast—an organisation that connects students to further study and work opportunities upon leaving school—said the reason they exhibited today was, “We are the peak body for industry education, connecting young people with industry across the Gold Coast. It gives us an opportunity to understand what students are after and let them know how we can assist them into industry pathways after completing school.”

Marikka Wilken, Employment Pathway Officer at The BUSY School Coolangatta, said, “We’re really motivated to get our students out there to see what opportunities are available to them. We wanted to give them the opportunity to meet prospective employers.

“We’re really excited by the effort that the exhibitors have put in, the turnout here today, and also the interaction from the students!”

The NO LIMITS – Careers Expo exhibitors included a range of local businesses and esteemed community organisations, Registered Training Organisations, renowned Universities and Trade Industry representatives. View the full list of exhibitors here.

The day provided interactive workshops, a barbecue lunch that everyone enjoyed and even live DJs to add to the atmosphere!

Plan ahead! Our event will be held annually, so if your business is keen on exhibiting in 2025, please contact:

Carly Brown via email at carly.brown@thebusygroup.com.au

 

Cohan (centre) with the crew from Southern Cross University who exhibited on the day. Cohan is interested in a career path as a high school teacher.

Jasper (L) and Seth (R) with the crew from Smart Apprenticeship Solutions, a Group Training Organisation that offers employment opportunities for apprentices.

BUSY Schools is Preparing Zac for his Chosen Career Path

EXCITING UPDATE (September 10, 2021)

Since posting this story Zac has now been offered a full time apprenticeship with Mannix Pluming. He has even been offered a company car once he gets his P-Plates. Zac is grateful to BUSY Schools and now has his career pathway and a bright future ahead. Read more about how it all began below.

Earlier this year, Zac started as a Year 11 student at the BUSY Schools Shailer Park campus. When a group of employers visited the campus to talk to students about different industry career pathways, Zac discovered exactly what career path was for him.

Before attending BUSY Schools, Zac found his previous school quite stressful and disappointing. Ideally, he wanted to go to a school that didn’t take a one-size-fits-all approach and since being at BUSY Schools for over a term, Zac now feels extremely relaxed and appreciates all of his teachers.

“BUSY Schools has helped me a lot on both an emotional and educational level. I have come to understand the subjects much better than my old school and I am also a lot calmer than I was, which has improved my learning,” said Zac.

In addition to his ongoing schoolwork, Zac has completed work experience, a White Card course, and is in the midst of completing a Certificate I in Construction.

Employment Pathways Officer at BUSY Schools Shailer Park, Karlene Feldbauer, said Zac has achieved so much since starting at BUSY Schools and is beginning to show initiative in taking those necessary steps to help kick start his career as a Plumber.

“Zac decided he wanted to be a plumber following the talk given by industry employers in term one. A couple of days later, he came to me with a phone number of a plumbing company that did some work at his house and asked if we could see if they would be interested in having him do some work experience there,” said Karlene.

Once Scenic Rim Plumbing had confirmed their interest, Zac completed his work experience there every Wednesday for a term, and although they were unable to take him on board once he had finished, he is determined to find more opportunities to launch his career.

“I really enjoyed helping the team fix broken pipes and dig trenches and am hoping to do an apprenticeship in plumbing, so I can eventually become a qualified trades person,” Zac added.

Lee Aitken, CEO for BUSY Schools, a part of the BUSY Group Ltd, said, “BUSY Schools offers a welcoming place where students feel safe and supported. Our teachers and staff inspire and encourage students to re-engage with their education and take initiative in forming their career pathways. We have a holistic service offering through the BUSY Group, with links to vocational education and employment services.

Whether students want to go on to higher education, a trades pathway or get straight into work, we work individually with each student so that they get the chance to become the best version of themselves.” Lee further stated.

EXCITING UPDATE (10th September, 2021)

Since posting this story, Zac has now landed an apprenticeship with Mannix Plumbing and his career has now begun. He’s even been promised a company car once he gets his P-plates. Zac is really grateful for BUSY Schools and the direction provided – he has his future on track! Read more about how it all began for Zac below.

Thanks to the assistance and encouragement provided by BUSY Schools, Zac has decided he would like to pursue a career in Plumbing and has taken steps to help launch his career.

For more information, visit https://www.busyschools.qld.edu.au/

 

MEDIA CONTACT:                     

Michelle Ryan, BUSY At Work

0407 169 029 or email michelle.ryan@busyatwork.com.au

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