For many of our youth today the career path they will find themselves in 20 years from now may not even exist right now.
However, it doesn’t mean that a career choice now isn’t valuable to something different in 10, 15 or 20 years’ time. But deciding what you want in a career as a teenager can be a confusing choice.
I am passionate about seeing young people fulfil their potential and exploring career pathways. Sometimes all young people need is the right advice and some carefully considered guidance to get them on their way.
There are so many booming careers to be explored at council’s IGNITE Youth Careers Expo being held today (Tuesday 26 July) at the Logan Metro Sports and Events Centre.
Since its introduction back in 2011, the expo has expanded and evolved each year, moving with the shifting economy and the range of careers now available to our young people.
From the more traditional resume writing workshops through to the interactive STEM zones, there is something on offer to everyone. The expo enables young people aged 15 to 24 years the opportunity to make comparisons between careers, further study, jobs and potential employers.
And while career options may have changed over the years, there are some fundamentals that will always stay the same, like, working hard. Hard work will get you a long way and I truly believe the harder you work the luckier you will get.
Council is also determined to promote greater awareness of local job opportunities to young people in our city.
Last year when we launched the Mayor’s Local Jobs and Skills Taskforce there was a strong focus on enhancing employment opportunities for Logan youth. We are committed to assisting young people build pathways into meaningful careers.
As such we introduced a Schools Industry Engagement Bus Tour. In collaboration with some local businesses, council coordinated the opportunity for students to get a deeper understanding of the career pathways available to them. It enabled them to see local businesses in action and hear directly from local entrepreneurs and business leaders.
And in building on the success of the Taskforce, there will be an expanded focus on youth engagement over the next 12 months, which I’m very passionate and excited about.
