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Expo job-seekers turn out in force

Gareth McKnightSound Telegraph
Hayden Chamberlain gets a barista crash course from Jo Zuvela of Empyrean Education Institute.
Camera IconHayden Chamberlain gets a barista crash course from Jo Zuvela of Empyrean Education Institute. Credit: Gareth McKnight

More than 600 people descended on Gary Holland Community Centre last Wednesday as the 2017 Shape Your Future Youth Expo looked to match young job-seekers with potential employers.

The event was organised by Rockingham Kwinana Chamber of Commerce and the region’s employment and business support networks.

Rockingham Kwinana Chamber of Commerce chief executive Tony Solin, Kwinana Mayor Carol Adams, Rockingham Mayor Barry Sammels and South West Group director Mick McCarthy.
Camera IconRockingham Kwinana Chamber of Commerce chief executive Tony Solin, Kwinana Mayor Carol Adams, Rockingham Mayor Barry Sammels and South West Group director Mick McCarthy. Credit: Gareth McKnight

RKCC chief executive Tony Solin said there were 60 stallholders and there were many young people looking for work.

“It exceeded all the expectations — more than 600 people came along,” he said. “It was all positive feedback from everyone — we had 100 jobs going around the room.

“I think a lot of the exhibitors got a lot out of it. It is just fantastic that we can put something on like this that can help our youth.

“We have one of the highest levels of youth unemployment anywhere, so even one or two jobs out of it is a good result.”

Morgan Devine and Lucy Cullen from Austal.
Camera IconMorgan Devine and Lucy Cullen from Austal. Credit: Gareth McKnight

City of Rockingham Mayor Barry Sammels said the event was a success.

“The 2017 Youth Expo is a fantastic initiative aimed at addressing the high levels of youth unemployment in the region by bringing together industry and the various support organisations assisting young people to find work, training and a career path,” he said.

Veronica and David Smith from Epicc Training.
Camera IconVeronica and David Smith from Epicc Training.

City of Kwinana Mayor Carol Adams said the event brought together companies from various industries.

“I commend the expo partners in bringing together these support organisations under one roof and essentially providing a one-stop-shop for youth looking for work, interested in training or trying to find a career path that suites their skills and interests,” she said.

Kathy Stephens and Alicia Ryan from Duratec Australia.
Camera IconKathy Stephens and Alicia Ryan from Duratec Australia.
Anne-Pierre Fortier and Jean Wootton from Murdoch University.
Camera IconAnne-Pierre Fortier and Jean Wootton from Murdoch University. Credit: Gareth McKnight
Carol Shannon from the Leeuwin Ocean Adventure Foundation.
Camera IconCarol Shannon from the Leeuwin Ocean Adventure Foundation. Credit: Gareth McKnight
Megan Koopman from McDonalds.
Camera IconMegan Koopman from McDonalds. Credit: Gareth McKnight
Aly Bannister of Forest Personnel.
Camera IconAly Bannister of Forest Personnel. Credit: Gareth McKnight
Traditional Aboriginal dancers opened the Career's Expo.
Camera IconTraditional Aboriginal dancers opened the Career's Expo. Credit: Gareth McKnight

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