Stellar students off to careers expo

Clarence Valley Year 6 students involved in the Southern Cross University-University of New England Stellar program will attend this week's (Thursday May 15) Coffs Coast Careers Expo, showing it is never too early to think about a future career.

More than 300 Stellar pupils – from seven primary schools – will attend the expo which is used as a tool to inspire them to aspire to higher education. The Stellar program works with families, schools and community with the aim of increasing the number of Clarence Valley students going to university.

“The Careers Expo is a great way to show students the link between what is taught at school and real-life and how education is linked to different occupations,” Stellar co-ordinator Troy Irwin said.

“Younger students don’t have a wide knowledge of different types of careers – the careers expo is a great opportunity to highlight the broad range of opportunities in our local area.

“And while many may think Year 6 is too early for students to start to make career decisions, research indicates that children unknowingly make decisions around career choices from a very early age.

“Students’ understanding of careers and the world of work is influenced by the people around them and occupations in which they have had exposure – the Careers Expo aims to broaden this exposure and helps students to imagine themselves in different occupations.

“This opportunity creates ideas and pictures for students around different careers and skills; such as positive self-image, communication skills and curiosity and life-long learning.”

The Careers Expo visit is one of a number of activities the Stellar program offers Year 6 participants. Students will also visit a Southern Cross University campus and be enlisted in a careers unit of study. Stellar involves students in Year 6 and then through high school from Years 7 to 10.

Southern Cross University and the National Marine Science Centre will be among 60 exhibitors at the Coffs Coast Careers Expo, which starts from 9am and is at the Coffs Harbour Racing Club.

A number of SCU students will be on hand to talk about their experiences at the University and this will include being involved in small group workshops. Workshops involving industry professionals include medicine, nursing, physiotherapy, psychology, dentistry, pharmacy, medical radiation science, accountancy, law, architecture, engineering and surveying.

There will also be workshops by industry professionals in the trades including automotive, construction, plumbing, hairdressing and hospitality and retail operations.

Stellar is an initiative of the Clarence Valley Industry and Education Forum (CVIEF) funded by the Commonwealth Government’s Higher Education Participation and Partnerships Program (HEPPP) to improve the participation rates of students from communities under-represented in higher education.

The Forum is a strategic partnership between education, business and the community. CVIEF partners include: Southern Cross University and the University of New England, TAFE NSW – North Coast Institute, NSW Department of Education & Communities, Clarence Valley Council, Grafton High School, McAuley Catholic College, South Grafton High School, Maclean High School, Induna School, Aboriginal Education Consultative Group, and the Commonwealth Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations.

Photo: Troy Irwin.