Students soak up knowledge at Career Day expo

Whether they want to serve in the Australian Defence Force, continue their education at university of TAFE, learn a trade or work at a local business, students from Bray Park State High School had the chance to learn more about their future pathways at the school’s annual Career Day expo. 

The day provided students across all year levels the opportunity to speak directly with more than 140 industry professionals, who generously gave up their time to share their wealth of knowledge.

Some of the professionals in attendance included representatives from UniSC, Australian Catholic University, Australian Institute of Early Childhood Studies, Australian Performing Arts Conservatory, Mater Education, Metro North Health, Bunnings, McDonalds, Mylestones Employment, Defence Force Recruiting, Queensland Corrective Services, Innovate Moreton Bay, Queensland Hotel Association and Aviation Australia, just to name a few.

Bray Park State High School Principal Peter Turner said he was pleased to see so many people from the community come and support his students.

“There were more than 140 representatives from industries, universities, businesses, TAFE and employment providers, meaning there was something for every student at our school,” Peter said.

“We are a school that has students from such diverse backgrounds, strengths and interests, and this Careers Day meant they could talk directly to someone with the same passions as they have.

“Our Career Days continue to grow bigger and bigger each year. This is the second year of this size, so I really wanted to thank everyone who attended and showed their support.”

Peter has also wished to thank Nicole Tinney, the schools Industry Liaison Officer, who worked tirelessly to co-ordinate the event for the community

Other highlights of the day included a helicopter from Aeropower flight school landing on the oval, rockets being launched into the sky, as well as a special appearance from celebrity chef Dominique Rizzo.

With the help of hospitality students, Dominique prepared lunch for all the expo stand holders from 8.30am-noon, before doing a food demonstration with Year 10 students in the afternoon.

Dominique, who is one of Australia’s leading female chefs, spoke to the kids about her own career, and how you aren’t limited to “one job for the rest of your life”, explaining how there are many different avenues someone can take in the hospitality industry.

“You can make quite a lot of money working in hospitality – whether you are a waiter, behind the bar, working as a chef, working overseas, owning your own restaurant or working for a company that develops different flavours. You have the choice to decide what you want to do and how far you want to go,” she said.

Click through the gallery below to see more pictures from the day.