Seymour Careers & Jobs Expo 2025: A Resounding Success!
Nearly 400 students, 40 exhibitors, and countless career possibilities – our Seymour Careers & Jobs Expo was buzzing with energy and opportunity!
The inaugural Seymour Careers & Jobs Expo exceeded all expectations, bringing together students from across the region with local employers and industry professionals in what can only be described as a transformative day for our young people. Students eagerly connected with local employers from mining and manufacturing to healthcare and hospitality, getting hands-on career advice and discovering pathways they never knew existed right here in our community.
The Numbers Tell an Amazing Story
Held at the Kings Park AG Pavilion, the Expo welcomed 385 students from Years 9-12 representing six schools across our region: Alexandra Secondary College, Seymour College, GoTAFE, Yea High School, St Mary's College, and Seymour Flexible Learning Centre. Students rotated through three dynamic sessions, exploring everything from community services and trades to professional services and agriculture.
The impact was immediate and measurable:
Over 95% of students said the Expo increased their understanding of local career pathways
95% reported the event sparked their interest in various industries
84% would recommend the Expo to others
Students consistently described the day as "fun," "educational," "interesting," and "great"
Real Stories, Real Impact
The student voices speak volumes about what made this event special:
"It was an awesome experience, I learned a lot," shared one enthusiastic participant.
"This helped me so much and gave me new ideas," noted another student who discovered completely new career possibilities.
"The event provided interesting insights into industries I hadn't considered," highlighted how the Expo broadened horizons beyond traditional career paths.
"It was really fun and educational" and "I love the welcoming emotions presented" captured the perfect blend of learning and engagement that made the day memorable.
More Than Just Career Fair - A Hands-On Experience
What set this Expo apart was its interactive approach. Students didn't just collect brochures – they experienced careers firsthand through welding demonstrations, emergency services simulations, and industry-specific activities. The carefully planned layout encouraged exploration and conversation, creating a dynamic environment where students could truly envisage their futures.
The diverse range of exhibitors represented sectors including health, early childhood, employment services, education, emergency services, and skilled trades, ensuring every student found something that resonated with their interests and aspirations.
Educators Give It Top Marks
The positive response extended far beyond the students. Participating educators from across the region were equally impressed:
Two schools rated the event as "Extremely valuable"
Two schools described it as "Very valuable"
All educators agreed that the expo content was relevant and students were engaged
100% of schools found the event beneficial for their students
One educator particularly appreciated exhibits targeting non-academic pathways, noting how valuable this was for their diverse student body – exactly the kind of inclusive approach that makes career exploration meaningful for all learners.
Employers Ready to Invest in Our Youth
The enthusiasm wasn't one-sided. Exhibitors from health, education, emergency services, and skilled trades were equally energised by the experience:
All exhibitors stated they would support or consider participating in future events
Most rated the event as "Very" or "Extremely valuable" for students
Multiple organisations expressed interest in hosting students for Structured Workplace Learning or Work Experience placements
Exhibitors praised the smooth execution and professional coordination
This willingness to offer real workplace opportunities shows the genuine connections formed during the Expo – connections that could shape students' futures through hands-on learning experiences.
Community Champions Made It Happen
None of this magic would have happened without our amazing sponsors and supporters:
Major Sponsor: Local Jobs Program - Goulburn Murray Employment Region
CVGT Employment for their generous community grant
Kings Park, North Central Hire, Seymour Coaches, and Coles Seymour for their incredible support
Lions Club for keeping everyone fed with their sizzling sausages
My Coffee Cart for the essential caffeine boost
To our hardworking CRLLEN team, Carla and Faye from the Local Jobs Program – you absolutely nailed it!
Schools: The Heart of Our Success
The BIGGEST thank you goes to our local schools – Seymour College, St Mary's College Seymour, Seymour FLC, Yea High School, Alexandra Secondary College, and GoTAFE. Your enthusiasm and commitment to your students' futures made this event truly exceptional. The success of the expo rests squarely on your shoulders!
Learning and Growing Together
Every great event teaches us something, and our inaugural Expo was no exception. While we celebrated the incredible engagement and positive feedback, we also listened carefully to suggestions for improvement. Educators recommended enhancing the layout for better accessibility, expanding exhibitor diversity to include more local small businesses and adding university representatives to showcase even more post-school pathways.
We're already incorporating this valuable feedback into plans for next year, including exploring indoor venues for better weather protection and ensuring even stronger regional collaboration across all Lower Hume cluster schools.
Media Spotlight on Our Success
We were proud to be highlighted in the Seymour Telegraph, with the event receiving positive coverage that showcased its value to the local community. The article emphasized the importance of connecting students with career pathways and the range of opportunities available through our participating exhibitors, helping to raise awareness of the event's impact and encourage broader community involvement in the future.
Building Bridges Between Education and Employment
This event was a celebration of our community's commitment to our young people's futures. By creating meaningful connections between local employers, education providers, and students, we've strengthened the bridge between classroom learning and real-world opportunities.
The overwhelmingly positive feedback from all stakeholders confirms that this inaugural event was a resounding success and has laid strong foundations for future years. As one educator noted, this event helped fill the gap left by other cancelled regional events, strengthening our role in supporting student career development across our region.
Looking to the Future
With such strong support from students, educators, and employers, we're committed to making this an annual celebration of opportunity and possibility. The foundation is set, the relationships are built, and the enthusiasm is infectious – next year's Expo promises to be even bigger and better!
Download Our Evaluation Report
Want to dive deeper into the numbers and feedback? Download our comprehensive evaluation report to get the full details on our inaugural expo's success, including detailed feedback from students, educators, and exhibitors, plus our specific plans for future improvements and growth.
Check Out Photos from the Event
Browse through our photo gallery capturing the highlights of the day.
