Western Victorian Careers Expo 2024 – Official program

Official program lift-out

Tuesday, June 25, 2024 9.30am

Aylah Zanker and Ava Koschitzke try out protective

at East Grampians

at the Wimmera

Longerenong, on

Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

SPRAY

Celebrating our sponsors, supporters and volunteers

INDUSTRIAL SPRAY

Tuesday, June 25

Wimmera Events Centre,

Career experts ready and waiting

BY BRONWYN HASTINGS

Western Victorian Careers Expo organisers are presenting a range of hands-on exhibits at this year’s event, with a vocational education training centre, cherry picker rides and virtual reality among the experiences.

Organiser David Crooks, in his second year as project manager with Wimmera and Southern Mallee Careers Association sub-committee, said attendees of all ages would be able to immerse themselves in a range of different industries.

“Hands-on and interactive displays are a really important feature of the

event because they allow attendees to experience jobs in engineering, agricultural machinery, land and water management, emergency services, hospitality, and construction, through things such as machinery simulators and virtual reality,” he said.

“I am excited about the Powercor cherry picker rides to show a day in the life of a linesman, and a walkthrough early childhood education centre to give attendees a feel of what it’s like to work with young children.

“We also have the new Try VET Centre, which replaces a Come and Try VET Day, which previously ran in the school events calendar.”

Attendees can talk to a wide range

of career, industry and course advisors on a one-to-one basis and gain valuable information on further education and training, career paths and employment opportunities.

“There is also the Skillinvest drop-in apprenticeship centre, where people can register for apprenticeships and traineeships on the spot, seek job advice and have their resumes reviewed,” Mr Crooks said.

“It’s also a great resource for parents and carers wanting to learn more about how apprenticeships work, because they can seek advice directly from the experts.

“It’s a one-stop shop for vocational information.”

Although the expo is visited mostly by students from years nine to 12 –about 2000 students from 27 schools are expected to attend – it is open to people of all ages who are seeking information about new career opportunities, or seeing what the region has to offer in employment.

“We work hard to create an expo that is an information hub for people at all stages of their careers,” Mr Crooks said.

The event will feature 85 exhibits of local employers, including WIM Resource with careers in mining, GWMWater, and Watts Price Accounting, as well as information for career planning, job opportunities and further

Guest speakers provide snapshot of employment

This year’s career Western Victorian Careers Expo will feature several guest speakers providing insight into careers within the region.

Headspace Horsham’s Alisha McLaughlin will speak about stress, anxiety and self-care.

A community awareness and youth engagement co-ordinator, Ms McLaughlin’s role is to ensure young people know about headspace’s services and how to access them.

“My job is to go out into the community and make sure young people and their families know about our service,” she said.

Headspace supports people aged 12 to 25 years, who are looking for assistance with their mental health, or any other concerns they might have.

The organisation offers free counselling services to young people in Horsham, Hindmarsh, Yarriambiack, Northern Grampians and West Wimmera municipalities.

“We have a preventative approach in the community team, where we have programs to educate young people on how to understand their emotions and care for themselves in healthy ways,” Ms McLaughlin said. She said programs were delivered in a variety of ways, including through school presentations, events and community projects.

“A great example of this kind of education is the presentation we’ll be delivering at the expo,” she said.

“We’ll be speaking about stress, anxiety and how to practise self-care

– we often use words like ‘stress’ and ‘self-care’ without understanding what they really mean. We’ll be unpacking the definitions and providing some practical skills as well.”

Headspace also runs a youth reference group for young people aged 15 to 25 years.

“It’s a great opportunity for young people who are passionate about seeing change in the community and are keen to learn leadership skills,” Ms McLaughlin said.

“It’s a paid opportunity, so if young people are interested, please contact our centre.”

Anyone can refer a young person

to headspace and young people can refer themselves – for more information call in to the Hamilton Street, Horsham centre, call 5381 1543, or email info.headspacehorsham@ vt.uniting.org.

A career in water

GWMWater energy engineer Will Taylor will speak about some of the projects GWMWater is working on to benefit the community, and the roles school-leavers can have in these projects.

Mr Taylor’s 12.30pm presentation in the WIM Resource feature room will include information on rural pipelines, water upgrades and renewable energy initiatives.

“The Wimmera-Mallee Pipeline project, which was completed in 2010, was one of the largest water infrastructure projects in Australia. The 9159 kilometres of pipeline laid – which is long enough to reach across Australia twice – replaced 17,500 kilometres of open channels,” he said.

Mr Taylor will also speak about producing higher-quality recycled water at Horsham, to provide to industrial customers.

“It will limit waste and allow GWMWater to offer more products for customers,” he said.

“We are also putting together a 4.95-megawatt solar farm at Nhill, which will cover 70 percent of GWMWater’s power use. Combine that with the measures already in place, we are on target to be using 100

percent of renewable energy by mid2025.”

GWMWater has a range of career opportunities, from administration and a call centre, Certificate III in water industry operations, to accounting and engineering roles that require a university degree.

“We have always got something going and are always looking for people to come back to the area,” Mr Taylor said.

“We encourage all sorts of people to apply at GWMWater, it’s a really good place to work for almost anyone.”

GWMWater also has an exhibit at the expo, where people can find information on the many and varied career opportunities and pathways in the water industry, and be in the running to win some great prizes.

Presentations: 10.30am – careers in health, presented by Grampians Health in the WIM Resource features room; 10.45am – vocational pathways information service, VIS/ TIS Auditorium; 11.15am – tertiary information service session, VIS/TIS Auditorium; noon – careers in mining, presented by WIM Resource, in the WIM Resource features room; 12.30pm – local careers for local people, presented by GWMWater and Watts Price Accounting in the WIM Resource features room; and 1pm – be the best you, presented by headspace Horsham, WIM Resource features room.

education. “Whether you are seeking immediate employment, researching education and training opportunities, returning to the workforce, or thinking about a career change, we have exhibitors and industry professionals who can set you on a path to achieving your goals,” Mr Crooks said.

The expo is at Wimmera Events Centre, Longerenong, from 9.30am to 2.30pm on Tuesday, June 25.

“This event has been going strong for almost 40 years and is a huge drawcard for the Wimmera, attracting thousands of people each year,” Mr Crooks said.

GWMWater engineer Will Taylor

Matilda McKinnon Dimboola Memorial Secondary College I want to be a hairdresser because I can be creative and artistic.

Luke Hunter Dimboola Memorial Secondary College I am interested in a career in farming or a job as a diesel mechanic.

No wool over Tom’s eyes

Apassion for helping his community was the catalyst for Senior Constable Tom McGrath’s switch from farm life to frontline.

A fourth-generation farmer on his family’s 103-year-old broadacre Murtoa property, Sen Const McGrath grew up helping with planting and harvesting wheat, barley and lentil crops and managing thousands of sheep.

After high school, he was encouraged into the shearing sheds by his father, where he quickly built his skills with a handpiece – and a high tolerance for hard work.

“It was one of the hardest things I can remember doing physically, finding that I couldn’t stand after 10 minutes, and then realising there was another seven hours and 50 minutes of the day left,” Sen Const McGrath recalls.

“It was very challenging mentally and physically, although that feeling of pushing your body to the limits is addictive.

“I would work on shearing one sheep every two minutes, which included the catching and dragging of the sheep.

“When you see the sheep come into the shed with their wool on and then see them out the back freshly shorn, that’s really satisfying, because you can visually appreciate your efforts for the day.”

With a huge shortage of experienced shearers worldwide, Sen Const McGrath travelled around Australia and overseas for work, finding new jobs within minutes through social media groups. And with the industry

paying per sheep shorn, it’s lucrative work for skilled shearers.

But with a strong interest in advocacy work and working towards ‘the betterment of society’, he knew his true calling lay outside the farm gates.

“Back home in the Wimmera I was involved with youth advisory councils and young farmer councils,” Sen Const McGrath said.

“I get a lot of joy from being able to assist and advocate for people, sometimes people that aren’t able to help themselves.

“I asked myself, ‘How can I do this rewarding work while getting paid?’, and I thought ‘Hey, I can join Victoria Police’.

“So, I went through the Academy doors in 2019 and that was my goal, to get into community engagement work.”

Sen Const McGrath admits he found general duties policing a challenge, as he juggled his empathy towards all people, even those who ‘struggle to make good decisions’, with his duty to enforce the law.

After completing short stints at Preston and Epping police stations along his policing journey, Sen Const McGrath now works in Transit and Public Safety Command’s Transit Proactive Unit, which suits him ‘to a tee’.

His role involves community engagement operations such as Safe PL8, where police hand out anti-theft number plate screws while chatting with the community, and discussing rail safety at train stations with kids and adults alike.

“It’s very rewarding being able to help and advocate for others, especially when the outcome will be a positive one,” Sen Const McGrath said.

While enjoying his current role, Sen Const McGrath said he was a country boy at heart, and the pull to return to his rural roots was strong.

He still helps out on the farm, using his nine weeks’ leave each year to pitch in with shearing and other tasks.

“Ideally, I’ll build my policing skills here in Melbourne, to be able to transfer to a country station in the next three to four years,” he said.

“I don’t have a specific area in mind,

but I would prefer a smaller station where I can really get to know the local community.”

And while his career means he’s now hundreds of kilometres from the Wimmera, Sen Const McGrath said the skills he mastered on the farm have given him the confidence to handle anything that comes his way.

“I’ve wrestled 140kg sheep around the shearing shed and out in the open paddock, so there’s not much that phases me,” he said.

First published in Police Life magazine. For more, visit police.vic.gov.au/ police-life.

CUT ABOVE: A desire to make an impact in his community led Senior Constable Tom McGrath away from the shearing sheds to a career in policing.

Dane George Warracknabeal Secondary College I want to be a plumber, I’m currently studying this at VET subject. I’m hoping to get a school-based apprenticeship.

Amelie Faulkner Murtoa College I would like to go into paramedicine and study at Bendigo. I’m going to the expo to see all the opportunities and pathways I can take.

Tuesday, June 25

Get a feel for early-years teaching

By

Five’s interactive walkthrough exhibit will put Western Victorian Careers Expo visitors straight into an early childhood learning centre – just without the children.

Teacher Mary-Ellen Lamont said people would be able to experience the hands-on learning resources children use in their everyday at early learning centres.

“We will have a lots of experiences for potential teachers to see what early childhood is all about – from drawing to playdough, and more,” she said.

“We are showing how children learn through play and how important the first five years of a child’s life are in shaping them as a person – it’s not all learnt at school.”

Ms Lamont said there were different pathways into early childhood education, with the minimum qualification a Certificate III in early childhood.

“People coming into early childhood do not have to finish school, they can sit a literacy and numeracy test and go from there, or come in as a VET student.

“We have VET students each Wednesday, they are working through four units of Certificate III each year, and by the time they finish year 12,

Find a job

BY TRACEY KING

they are halfway through their certificate.

“They can then go into their Bachelor of Education if they want to.”

People working in early childhood often upskill around their own lifestyles, such as after taking parental leave and raising their own children.

Early childhood teacher Alice Crick said education was an accommodating workforce.

“It’s a very caring industry for both children and educators, accommodating men and women from all walks of life,” she said.

“It is a very important profession. It’s not spoken enough about how important the first five years of a child’s learning are, once that time has gone, it is gone.

“I’m also primary school trained, but I choose to work in a kinder because this timeframe, I think, is most important, before they hit five years of age,” Ms Crick said.

Educator positions exist across the Wimmera, with a need for more when the State Government’s pre-prep program of up to 30 hours of kinder is rolled out from next year.

By Five, Emerge and Department of Education will be represented at the expo, with information on a variety of roles within education and care.

you enjoy...

BY FIVE PROJECT MANAGER

Have you thought about what you might do when you leave school?’

This is a question many of us may have dreaded in our lives at family gettogethers or school interviews.

The weight of that question, when you just don’t know, can be overwhelming – consuming not only for students approaching the end of secondary schooling, but for their families and teaching staff who are invested.

All parties are hoping you can find the career pathway you enjoy, but it is a tough conversation to endure.

We live in a world where there are many opportunities and options, but it can be difficult to know where to start when beginning your career, looking for a change or perhaps re-entering the workforce.

you’ll never have to work a day in your life

Fortunately, a winding career path is expected.

Gone are the days when you may have had two or three options and that was your career for life.

It is rare that an individual remains in one profession for their entire working life. University of Queensland estimates the average person could accumulate about 16 jobs before retirement.

If you or someone you know is looking for options to consider, it is worth dedicating some time to tackle those hard conversations.

Talk to others about their career path, what they do and do not like about their jobs. Take time to discuss this with people you trust and respect. Identify your skills, interests and most importantly, think about what you love.

By Five recently worked with Early Childhood Education and Care, ECEC, consisting of staff from kin-

EAST GRAMPIANS HEALTH SERVICE

Improving the health of our community

East Grampians Health Service values a learning culture, we strive to continually learn and develop through education, training, mentoring and by teaching others.

Meet members of the East Grampians Health Service team at the Wimmera Careers Expo, to learn more about the exciting and diverse careers a health service can o er!

dergarten and early learning centre settings to identify the pressure points in the sector.

The educators also shared why they enjoyed working in ECEC.

Many educators spoke passionately about the satisfaction they felt when witnessing children experience that ‘I can do it’ moment.

There is nothing that shines so brightly as a child’s eyes who has learnt to master a new skill – writing their name, zipping up their jacket, tying up a shoelace, making new friends, learning how to take turns, saying hello in a new language or building a very big sandcastle as high as the sky.

Educators also enjoy supporting children and families to make a difference in the world, educating and caring for children, learning through discovery and play in safe and fun environments.

Further aspects they highlighted

were enjoyment working with a team of like-minded people and witnessing growth in all facets of children’s development.

ECEC educators pointed out extensive opportunities for various leadership roles they found interesting and challenging.

Like all industries, the early years sector needs an increased workforce. We need quantity and quality educators who are passionate about keeping that sparkle in children’s eyes, ensuring there are bucketfuls of ‘I can do moments’ in the first five years for each child.

Across the Wimmera Southern Mallee, most ECEC centres have positions available for a variety of roles – early childhood teachers and educators, education leaders, directors and managers.

As the State Government pre-prep program rolls out across our regions, developing a quality workforce has

perhaps never been more significant. If you enjoy working with children and are passionate about education and caring young minds, visit the By Five team at site 51 at the upcoming Western Victorian Careers Expo. We will showcase the important work of the ECEC sector and highlight the possibilities and benefits of working in such an important field. You, or someone you know, may enjoy being an ECEC educator. You will have a chance to talk with people who work in the sector, such as kindergarten teachers, local kindergarten improvement staff from the Department of Education and registered training organisations.

As Mark Twain said, ‘Find a job you enjoy doing, and you will never have to work a day in your life.’

For more information you can visit the Department of Education: www. education.gov.au/early-childhood/ early-childhood-workforce

HANDS-ON: Educators, from left, Tracey King, Mary-Ellen Lamont and Alice Crick with Grace Lamont, 2, and Fred Crick, 5, at By Five’s Bani Manya Kinder, Horsham.

Picture: BRONWYN HASTINGS

Careers @ 2024

CONVERSATION STARTER: Wimmera students and teachers are reaping the benefits of a virtual reality program being used in schools across the state – it gives students exposure to a variety of industries, and keeps teachers up-todate in current opportunities and practices.

Attendees at this year’s Western Victorian Careers Expo are able to experience up to 14 ‘worlds of work’ using VIC VICE, Victoria’s Virtual Industry Career Experience program.

The program features ‘touch points’, which allow the user to experience something that typically happens in workplaces. It gives insight into a range of associated jobs that might not have been considered by students, but can be easily explored, and overcomes difficulties in career exposure presented by distance

and workplace safety concerns. Funded by the State Government to scale the use of VR careers education statewide, VIC VICE is already in use across many schools, giving industry exposure to young people so they can make informed choices about their subjects and pathways. The program offers experiences in areas of food and fibre, transport and logistics, and health and community services, in careers such as dairy farming and meat processing, mechanics, logistics, early childhood, aged care, disability, dental health, and rehabilitation.

Students graduating from secondary school often opt to take a gap year before moving into tertiary education. Others choose to study online and work while living at home, which affords them the opportunity to build savings and gain more experience in an industry they want to work in. This approach is also beneficial for local businesses in retaining staff and filling vacancies in the job market.

Marli Pymer

Marli completed her VCE at Horsham College in 2023.

She was accepted into Bachelor of Occupational Therapy at Deakin University, Geelong in 2024.

For the past two years, Marli has worked as a kitchen-hand at Grampians Health’s Horsham campus after school and plans to work casual shifts in the kitchen when she is not studying and during term breaks this year.

“Working at the hospital helps me to pay for my accommodation and living expenses at uni. I enjoy it, the staff are very supportive,” she said.

Head chef Stephen Hill said staff were glad to have Marli on-site.

“We are proud of her academic achievements and appreciate her contribution in the kitchen,” he said.

Meyer

Portia is working as an accounts payable officer in the finance department of Grampians Health Horsham campus.

She finished her VCE at Horsham College in 2021 and is now studying fashion marketing online, with the aim to work as a brand and marketing manager.

“Working at Grampians Health has been an amazing way to save money while studying,” she said.

“My work hours have been flexible, which suits my study commitments.

“Grampians Health has been a great environment to work in.

“Working with different people from a range of areas has been a very rewarding experience.”

Amber McClure

Amber has completed a gap year with Grampians Health.

Working as an allied health assistant at Edenhope campus has allowed Amber to expand her skills and capabilities in health care and save some money in preparation for her tertiary studies.

“I have enjoyed working at the Edenhope campus,” she said.

“Being able to help people regain their mobility and improve their quality of life is very rewarding.

“Working alongside respected allied health professionals has provided me with an insight into a range of healthcare disciplines.”

Amber aims to complete a double degree in nursing and midwifery, before studying further to become a maternal child health nurse.

Tuesday, June 25

Wimmera

Careers with Smallaire

Smallaire is holding an interactive site at the Western Victoria Careers Expo where you can have a go at welding for yourself.

Get hands on experience with the help of a professional team that works with clients across Australia and oversees, including the United States, Russia, Holland, South Africa and more

“I’m fully-qualified in metal fabrication with Smallaire. Smallaire offers a great environment with a nice wide variety of work to do everyday... you learn a lot of different skills. By the time you get to tradeschool, Smallaire have already taught you a lot of the skills you need to know, so school is a breeze.”

He is now an OH&S Officer and Metal Fabricator Supervisor

Grant Dumesny was an award-winning apprentice of the year in 2014. He left after his apprenticeship to try other elds of welding and now has returned to Smallaire as he enjoys working for us so much.

Tess Jones

Tess has commenced a gap year in the kitchen and cafe at Grampians Health’s Horsham campus.

Tess is interested in marine biology and has applied for courses in Queensland and Deakin University at Warrnambool for enrolment in the 2025 intake.

Tess plans to travel to America and Europe to visit family later this year.

“I have the opportunity to earn some real money during my gap year, which I can use for travel or to go to uni in 2025,” she said.

“I have learnt new skills and enjoyed my work in the kitchen.”

Jock Baker, left, has worked for Smallaire for 30 years. He began work in the factory, became a supervisor, completed his metal fab apprenticeship with us as an adult, and has since become the general manager of Smallaire. He is also a shareholder.

Smallaire lets you gain optimum experience and allows staff to grow.

We offer mature-age and school-based apprenticeships.

Josh Leith

Portia

Tuesday, June 25

Wimmera Events Centre,

Sharing our passion with audiences

ACE Radio’s MIXX FM, 3WM and The Weekly Advertiser staff will be on hand to promote opportunities in the media industry at the careers expo.

ACE Radio, owned by Rowly and Judy Paterson, of Willaura, was formed in 1984 and has grown over the years to include 21 radio stations, The Weekly Advertiser newspaper, ACE Digital and ACE Direct Sales, employing more than 200 people across Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland.

MIXX FM announcers Kaycee Tickner and Kayla Wilson will broadcast on-site at Wimmera Events Centre between 10am and 2pm on Tuesday, allowing the public to see the infectious energy they bring to the airwaves every weekday from the ACE Radio Horsham studios.

Other ACE Radio team members, across radio, print and digital, will also be in attendance to share their experiences of working in radio and media in a wide range of roles.

ACE Radio 3WM and MIXX FM content director Anthony Thompson said the expo was an ideal opportunity for people to look behind the dial and peer into the many and varied opportunities in media and entertainment, which could start close to home at ACE Radio.

Mr Thompson said roles in radio included delivering local news through broadcast journalism, developing online content for websites and social media channels, and writing, voicing

and producing creative and engaging client commercials.

“There are countless other skills we employ in the radio station to deliver in our various roles of promotions, sales, scheduling, graphic design, videography, audio production, talent development and team management,” he said.

“Ultimately, our shared passions come together to entertain and inform our listeners while being an integral part of building growth and sustain-

able success for the local business community.”

Mr Thompson said there was much more to radio than meets the ear.

“While the media landscape continues to evolve rapidly, the skills and passion that we employ and grow behind the scenes is what keeps local radio fun, entertaining, inclusive and relevant,” he said.

your foot in the door in the media,” she said.

The Weekly Advertiser’s editorial team includes editors, journalists and photographers – all roles that work across both print, digital and social media.

“It all starts with finding stories, so having a connection to the local community can be advantageous,” Ms Henry said.

“Being a journalist or a photographer is a fun career – you learn so much every day, meet people you never thought you would, and if you choose to do so, can work across various mediums to present your stories.

“It is a great privilege to tell people’s stories, as well as be the driving force behind campaigns and issues to make your local community a better place to live.”

Ms Henry said newspapers had evolved in her career, which included working at media companies such as the ABC and Bendigo Advertiser, and had adapted to expand its audience by creating digital content as well.

“The Weekly Advertiser is a strong regional newspaper with a bright future,” she said.

The Weekly Advertiser editorial director Lauren Henry encouraged people interested in a media career to approach ACE Radio staff to find out more information.

“We offer so many different roles, in Horsham and across our network, and our company values employing local people, so it’s a great way to get

“Broadcasting from the careers expo is a highlight for our team, as we each have the chance to share our passion for broadcasting with people attending, as well as demonstrating how we achieve the high standards we aim for every day.”

“We have a great team of professionals, including our production staff who excel in graphic design skills and work with our account managers to create compelling advertisements for our clients.

“We take great pride in putting together our newspaper each week and providing our community with all they need to know in local news.”

ON AIR: MIXX FM announcers Kaycee Tickner, left, and Kayla Wilson, with The Weekly Advertiser’s Bronwyn Hastings, right, will broadcast on-site at Wimmera Events Centre on Tuesday. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

Issabella Hibberd Murtoa College

I want to work in the medical field, as a nurse or in paramedicine.

I’m going to the expo to figure out uni and the best pathways. I’d like to do a few years of nursing before I move into paramedicine.

Andrew Klee Nhill College

In the future I would like to either become a mechanic or study engineering.

Tuesday, June 25

Get hands-on at Laser site

Two

Wimmera electrical apprentices are encouraging secondary students interested in learning a trade to make the most of opportunities available at next week’s Western Victorian Careers Expo.

Mitch Amos and Colby Anderson visited the Laser Plumbing and Electrical Horsham site at last year’s expo and are now employed by the business.

Mitch started a school-based apprenticeship in January, while Colby is a first-year electrical apprentice.

Laser Plumbing and Electrical Horsham employs about 70 staff in a wide range of roles and specialises in electrical, plumbing, heating, cooling and solar trades.

Mitch said he had considered pursuing a career as an electrician before last year’s expo and was pleased to have an opportunity to discuss his options.

“I spoke to one of the managers, Corey, about the pathway I would need to take and he said the best way would be for me to do some work experience,” he said.

“I was doing VCE last year, I was at school five days a week. With a school-based apprenticeship I do one day at Laser, one day at trade school and the rest at school. It breaks up the week and I’m really enjoying it.

“I get to work on a variety of projects. A lot of them are around school areas, such as the St Arnaud high school.”

Colby already had hands-on industry

experience when he spoke with HVAC manager Leigh Stewart at last year’s expo.

“I was doing three days at school, one day of VET and one day of work experience with another electrical contractor,” Colby said.

“I had an interest in becoming an electrician and I wanted to learn more about Laser, so I spoke to Leigh and wrote down my details.

“Leigh got back to me and I did a week of work experience with him and the HVAC team, but I really wanted to be a sparky, so I did two weeks with the maintenance team and I really enjoyed it.

“They offered me a job and now I’m a first-year electrical apprentice.

“I work in the maintenance division and I get to do a lot of different jobs – I love it.”

Both Colby and Mitch encouraged anyone interested in learning more about what their employer had to offer to visit the Laser Horsham site in the Try-A-Trade section.

“If you’re interested in a trade, I’d definitely recommend stopping by to talk to the guys from Laser. It’s always good to learn new things and in the electrical industry, there is so much you can learn,” Colby said.

Mr Stewart encouraged students and job-seekers to visit the Laser site to explore various career options.

He said the team would again run a competition to encourage expo-goers to try their hand at electrical, plumbing and HVAC – heating, ventilation and air-conditioning – tasks.

ON THE JOB: Laser Plumbing and Electrical Horsham apprentices Mitch Amos, left, and Colby Anderson are encouraging students and job-seekers interested in learning a trade to visit the business’s interactive site at Tuesday’s Western Victorian Careers Expo.

“The competition was really popular last year and we will be putting together something similar this year,” he said.

“It gives people an opportunity to try some of the trades’ basic tasks firsthand and encourages them to see what they are capable of.”

A $100 West Vic Business gift voucher is up for grabs for the competition’s male and female winners.

Mr Stewart said Laser Horsham was a long-time supporter of Structured Workplace Learning, enabling stu-

dents to integrate hands-on experience with their studies.

He said the business had a long history of employing Wimmera youth and sourced its apprentices with help from regional careers advisors.

He encouraged anyone interested in learning more about career pathways and options to visit the Laser Horsham site or call the office on 5382 1375.

•Laser Plumbing and Electrical Horsham will be at site 74 in the Try-ATrade section.

Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

Exhibitor List

Unearthing a great career

WIM Resource, a Horshambased mineral sands exploration and mining company, which owns Avonbank Mine near Dooen, will have a new feature at this year’s Western Victorian Careers Expo – a unique mini spiral separator machine.

The machine demonstrates that by using water and gravity, heavy minerals can be efficiently separated from the mined sand.

WIM Resource community and stakeholder liaison officer Murray Wilson said WIM was proud to continue as major sponsor of the expo, a partnership now in its third year.

“Along with being able to showcase our unique model of a mineral sand separator spiral, we will also have an interactive stand showcasing the mineral sands industry, displays of everyday products derived from

mineral sands, giveaways, project information and take-home materials,” he said.

WIM Resource will also deliver a seminar discussing career opportunities to gain employment in the mining and resources industry, at noon in the WIM Resources features room, which is open to all students and expo patrons.

“We will discuss WIM’s flagship Avonbank mine and the possible future careers which could be on offer,” Mr Wilson said.

The seminar aims to encourage participants to set themselves on a path to jobs in the mining industry and gain a better appreciation and understanding of the type of jobs WIM Resource could be offering in the near future as part of its proposed 36-year Avonbank Mine that will offer more than 200 direct jobs each year.

Longerenong College tours

Bus tours of Longerenong College will leave the careers expo at 10am and noon, giving people the opportunity to view all the campus has to offer.

The agricultural college boasts indoor and outdoor classrooms and learning spaces, an innovation centre,

expanding student accommodation, a commercial farm and livestock.

Led by trainers and members of the Longerenong Student Association, people can find out more about pathways into careers such as agronomy, agriculture, wool classing and agribusiness management.

Ready to learn ‘all things automotive’

Jed

Hermans is new to the automotive industry – he started a Toyota Pro Technician apprenticeship at Horsham Motor Company on Monday.

Finishing school at the end of year11, Mr Hermans worked at Horsham Cyclery until an opportunity came up at Horsham Motor Company to begin an apprenticeship.

Working under service manager Tony Cunningham, Mr Hermans is following in his father’s footsteps –Peter was a salesman at the company.

The 18-year-old will attend trade school at Toyota in Altona five or six times a year, with learning blocks varying between two and five days in length.

Mr Cunningham said Mr Hermans was the second apprentice at the company, and both have the choice of pathways and promotion at the business.

“We have had a bit of movement in the workshop lately – we’ve lost a couple of technicians, so I’ve put my car cleaner up to be the accessory fitter,” he said.

“It’s the same path I took. I started about 12 years ago in the wash bay and worked my way up to accessory fitter, then I was service advisor for seven years, and now I’ve been in the manager’s role for five weeks.”

A former St Brigid’s College student, Mr Hermans’ apprenticeship is managed by Skillinvest.

“I’m looking forward to being able to look at an engine bay and know exactly what I’m looking at,” he said.

Try

– Bronwyn Hastings

NEW BEGINNING: Jed Hermans is only days into an apprenticeship at Horsham Motor Company, working under service manager Tony Cunningham to learn ‘all things automotive’. Picture: BRONWYN HASTINGS

Blooming good outcomes

Two of Horsham Rural City Council’s parks and gardens team members have finished three-year apprenticeships and are now looking forward to long careers in horticulture.

Lauren Player and Montana Petering have officially completed Certificate III in Parks and Gardens Horticulture.

Both are now working as fully qualified members of the HRCC parks and gardens team.

Lauren Player

What started your interest in gardening?

I grew up in Queensland and have always enjoyed being outdoors.

I particularly like the practical side of my job. Planting out trees and flowerbeds and creating great displays which all the community can enjoy is very rewarding.

What’s it like to work in the parks and gardens team?

The council has provided me with the opportunity to progress, and has supported me to develop my skills.

The organisation provides a safe and supportive work environment, and I really enjoy working with my team.

They bring experience and knowledge from different backgrounds and so there is a lot that we can learn from each other.

What equipment have you learned to use?

Dingo Mini Digger, skid steer loader, mini street sweeper, gang mower, front deck mower, Husky mower,

cricket pitch roller, chainsaw, pole saw, tree chipper and smaller tools such as a whipper snipper, hedge trimmer, backpack blower, handheld blower and an edger.

Montana Petering

What do you like about your job?

As a gardener at the council there is a wide variety of jobs and tasks to do, such as hedge trimming, planting annuals, street sweeping footpaths and planting out new gardens beds. This variety of tasks means there is always something different happening at work.

I like the flexible work arrangements at the council, working an

eight-day fortnight. I also enjoy working with my colleagues as they share the same interests of gardening and make work more enjoyable.

What skills have you developed?

I’ve learnt how to maintain public gardens and reserves, weed control, chemical use and handling, tree maintenance, plant and turf nutrition and mowing and irrigation maintenance. Would you recommend a career in Local Government?

I definitely recommend a career at the council for school leavers who like hands-on work and enjoy working outside every day.

You will learn lots of new skills and gain great knowledge in the job

ON THE JOB:

Horsham

Rural City Council parks and gardens

team members

Lauren Player, left, and Montana Petering enjoy the wide variety of jobs in their role.

you’re working as well as enjoying working outside in the fresh air.

The environment at the council is very friendly and co-workers will help teach you so you can do your job to the best of your ability.

What do you enjoy about living and working in the Wimmera?

I can go for a walk along the Wimmera River and greet others with a smile.

I also enjoy how friendly the community is and the opportunities there are such as playing for a local football and netball club, going to see a performance at the town hall, eating out for tea, or catching up with friends at a park or nice spot.

Free travel for all-ages event

People planning to visit the Western Victorian Careers Expo at Longerenong can use a free transport service, with a round-trip from Horsham.

Jobseekers and career-changers of all ages are welcome at the expo to explore the many and varied jobs and careers available to them in the area.

Although the expo is heavily visited by senior school students – about 2000 are expected at the one-day event –there are many aspects relevant to people who want to change careers or are looking for work.

Finding a job out of school and staying in one career is a thing of the past, with younger generations most likely to have many jobs, and a handful of careers, in their lifetime.

Generation Z – those born between 1997 and 2012 – can expect to have 16 to 17 jobs across five to seven careers. While several factors could influence this, from jobs evolving and taking many forms and time fractions, to the availability of study at home to aid career advancement, it pairs well with the need for people to work longer.

Retirement age has extended from 65 to 67 years of age in the past four years, and is expected to extend further for future generations.

The expo boasts about 85 exhibits of employment and training opportunities, no matter the age and stage of the jobseeker.

The free bus service leaves from the YMCA carpark in Hamilton Street, Horsham at 10am, returning to the carpark at 12.30pm.

THINKING ABOUT A CAREER IN MINING AND RESOURCES?

As a future major employer for the region WIM is committed to working with local communities and businesses to develop the regions workforce.

Visit our stand to:

♦ learn more about employment options in the mining and resources industry

♦ discuss and experience the various products for which mineral sands are used

♦ join us for a ‘Careers in Mining’ panel session

♦ view the unique water and gravity model spiral used for separating mineral sands

♦ chat with WIM staff and professionals from the mineral sands mining industry.

We hope to see you there on Tuesday, 25th June!

A peek inside a prison career

Hopkins Correctional Centre representatives at the Western Victorian Careers Expo will show people who have wondered what it is like to work in a prison, what it is all about.

The Ararat staff say most people have a particular idea – high walls, dark corridors and people kept under lock and key, day and night.

But the reality can be a lot different, and being a prison officer can be a rewarding career with opportunities to make a positive impact on the community and the lives of people in custody, all while enjoying competitive pay and career development opportunities.

Whether people are just starting out in their career or want a change – if they have life experience, are motivated to serve the community and like to see others succeed, becoming a prison officer could be the career for them.

Prison officer Eloise always dreamed of turning her passion for true crime and psychology into a career after studying behavioural science and criminal justice.

When she joined Hopkins Correctional Centre, Eloise was surprised her previous experience in retail gave her the skills she needed to excel in her new role, particularly strong communication skills.

“Prison officers are always communicating with people from different backgrounds, and these are skills that I gained working in customer service and retail,” Eloise said.

“No matter your background, if

DEVELOPMENT: Hopkins Correctional Centre prison officer Eloise has used her retail and customer service skills in her role at the prison – she enjoys being able to support people in custody to make better choices for their best outcomes.

you’re a team player with strong communication skills, empathy and a passion for helping people, your skills will set you up for success.”

When Eloise told her friends and family about her new job, they had some misconceptions about what the job would be like, but she soon found that it was a much safer job than many people thought.

“When I first joined Corrections Victoria, my friends were supportive, but my mum was worried because of what

she had read in the media. Now she knows more about the work I do and that I have never felt unsafe, she is a lot more comfortable,” she said.

Prison officers receive five weeks of paid annual leave, competitive pay rates, and ongoing learning and development programs to support career growth, but it is the opportunity to make a positive difference that Eloise likes best about her job.

“My favourite part of the job is encouraging positive behaviour change

and supporting people in custody to make better choices,” she said.

“There’s no better feeling than going home at the end of the day knowing you made a difference.”

People who are looking for a rewarding career, can become a prison officer with Corrections Victoria, Eloise says.

New recruits might be eligible for a $5000 sign-on bonus as well as 41 days of paid training.

To find out more or to apply, visit justice.vic.gov.au/careers.

Diverse council roles on show

West

Wimmera Shire Council will showcase a range of career opportunities, from engineering to project management and early years education to community development, at the Western Victorian Careers Expo next week.

The council’s focus at the event is to show the range of opportunities available within the organisation, with staff from different departments on hand to speak to on the day.

Council executive David Bezuidenhout said the expo gave the council a fantastic opportunity to engage with students and present the rewarding career opportunities at the council.

“Staff are looking forward to sharing insights into the diverse roles within our organisation and demonstrating the value of contributing to our vibrant rural community,” he said.

“Whether students are interested in engineering, environmental management, community development, early years education, administration or project management, there will be professionals available to provide valuable guidance and information on the many diverse roles available in local government.”

Staff will talk about their different roles, how they started working in them, and what skills and qualifications they needed to obtain the role.

The council hopes to highlight the many varying positions it can offer, and show the value in working in small rural communities.

Any current vacancies will be visible on the day.

The council’s stand at the expo is being supported by Engage Victoria, which supports young people to create, participate in, and engage with activities, projects, programs and services that assist them to fully participate in the communities they work and live in.

For more information about career opportunities with West Wimmera Shire Council, visit www.westwimmera.vic.gov.au/Council/Employment.

IN TRAINING: Kaniva kindergarten trainee Georgie King working with a child.

Cole Fraser Stawell Secondary College I hope to study photography.

Charlotte Donnell Nhill College I would like to work either in the health industry or sports industry.

Sienna Cox Stawell Secondary College I would like to work in agriculture.

I’d

a

I am looking to working in a trade, specifically building. I am doing Building and Construction through VET.

Ezekiel Clark Warracknabeal Secondary College

I want to be a defence lawyer. I am looking forward to checking out difference universities at the careers expo.

Ehdowpaw

College I would like to go to university and work in the childcare industry.

Tuesday, June 25

Wimmera Events Centre,

Coen Winch Murtoa College

I’m going to the expo to look at my options in being a diesel mechanic. I’ll probably go to Horsham to do it.

I’d like to work in the equine industry.

Early Years Manager for:

Bani Manya Kindergarten (Horsham)

Bennett Road Kindergarten (Horsham)

Cooinda Kindergarten (Stawell)

Dimboola Kindergarten (Hindmarsh)

Green Park Kindergarten (Horsham)

Jeparit Kindergarten (Hindmarsh)

Marrang Kindergarten (Stawell)

Ayva Mitchell Stawell Secondary College I’d like to work in physiotherapy or nursing.

UMM asking the questions

Since the start of 2023, WorkSafe has accepted 3501 claims from young workers, aged 15 to 24, who were seriously injured at Victorian workplaces.

There were 44 in the Wimmera region, which includes the Hindmarsh, Horsham, Northern Grampians, West Wimmera and Yarriambiack local government areas.

WorkSafe has re-introduced a quirky character in a new series of its videos, social media, regional press and digital communications, named ‘UMM’ for the expression that comes to mind when people are unsure of what to say or do.

The videos including UMM respond to a range of common unsafe scenarios young workers may face in retail, manufacturing, fast food, hospitality, health care and construction.

WorkSafe executive director health and safety Sam Jenkin said the UMM character was created by young people, for young people, and speaks to those who might have recently started their first part-time or fulltime jobs.

“Young workers can be a fantastic asset to any team and often bring lots of energy to their role, but sometimes their lack of experience and confidence may mean young workers are less likely to ask questions if something doesn’t seem right,” he said.

“UMM is here to remind young workers that it’s ok to speak up and that no one should ever be made to feel unsafe at work –whether it’s being asked to work without the right safety equipment or having to deal with aggressive behaviour or language.”

For more information about safety for young workers, visit worksafe.vic.gov.au/ umm.

Marrang Kindergarten & Early Learning Centre (Stawell)

Natimuk Preschool (Horsham)

Natimuk Road Kindergarten (Horsham)

Nhill Early Learning Centre (Hindmarsh) Rainbow Kindergarten (Hindmarsh)

Messi

Nhill

Freya Kellas Stawell Secondary College

Archie McQueen Murtoa College I

Rachael Camilleri Warracknabeal Secondary College

Tyronne Jamieson Stawell Secondary College

like to get a trade, as

carpenter or an electrician.

Nurse, travel, grow

Growing up, Rebecca White always dreamed of becoming a veterinary surgeon – until her grandfather was diagnosed with a brain tumour and her life became immersed in the world of the intensive care unit.

She became fascinated with the life-saving work being performed in the ICU, and so began her career in healthcare, ultimately becoming West Wimmera Health Service Nhill Director of Nursing.

“I started as a Graduate Nurse at Austin Health in 1995,” Ms White said.

“I went on to study a Graduate Diploma in Critical Care, worked my way up as an associate nurse unit manager and nurse unit manager before furthering my studies.

“I completed a Graduate Diploma of Midwifery Science and then started working as the ‘twin midwife’ at Mercy Hospital for Women.”

Driven to succeed and experience life to the full, Ms White has been offered endless opportunities throughout her career.

This includes travelling Australia in a caravan with her family and working as a nurse and midwife in rural and remote settings across Western Australia, to stepping up into leadership roles in large metro-

politan hospitals, co-ordinating multiple facilities with 900-bed capacities.

She is now bringing her expertise to West Wimmera Health Service as the Director of Nursing in Nhill.

“West Wimmera Health Service has welcomed and supported me and I feel privileged to be able to share my knowledge and skillset with all nursing staff to ensure the future of nursing in the Wimmera looks bright,” Ms White said.

“I enjoy all aspects of my role in healthcare, but my passion is leading and supporting teams, succession planning, strategy and change management.

“I love supporting nurses to reach their potential.”

“My advice to new nurses would be to specialise early and get as much experience as you can in lots of different clinical areas, including in rural and remote settings”

– Rebecca White, left

With a clear passion for both the nursing and midwifery professions, Ms White is committed to sharing her knowledge, and encourages people considering a career in healthcare to absolutely pursue it.

“Nursing is a very rewarding career and there are so many paths you can take,” she said.

“It offers challenging and difficult work at times, but even to change the life of one nurse or one patient makes it worthwhile.

“My advice to new nurses would be to specialise early and get as much experience as you can in lots of different clinical areas, including in rural and remote settings – they’re vastly different to the metro hospitals and offer a unique experience that you just can’t get in the cities.”

West Wimmera Health Service will be at the careers expo to speak with people interested in working in health care.

A healthy foot in the door

School students are gaining valuable insights into future career paths – including health sector options podiatry, physiotherapy and allied health – during the traditional year10 work experience.

Horsham College year 10 student Wahsaypaw Payhae, who aspires to a nursing career, has gained a hands-on understanding of the hospital environment after a week of work experience with Grampians Health.

Grampians Health careers advisor and training officer Andrew Vague said Wahsaypaw was the first of 10 students who would complete a week’s experience in a range of clinical and non-clinical areas.

“I’m always very grateful the heads of our various departments are welcoming to the students and involve them in the

work as much as they can,” Mr Vague said.

“The students get opportunities to work in a range of different clinical and non-clinical areas including the laundry, kitchen, stores, orderly/cleaner, physiotherapy, speech pathology, podiatry, dietetics, social work, occupational therapy, allied health assistant and meaningful life at the Wimmera Nursing Home.

“For someone like Wahsaypaw who is looking at nursing as a career, that background can prove invaluable, and for Grampians Health, it’s a great way to showcase the career opportunities right here in the Wimmera.”

Mr Vague said many students who have completed work experience, or worked as juniors at Grampians Health Horsham, have returned to work in Horsham and other regional health settings.

INSIGHT: Horsham College year-10 student Wahsaypaw Payhae on work experience at Grampians Health Horsham.

Lani starts career in health

Marian

College year-12 stu-

dent Lani Coburn is East Grampians Health Service’s first health service assistant to be employed at 70 Lowe Street and is revelling in the opportunities provided by the position and the skills she is learning on the job.

Lani completed the iVET Certificate III in Health Service Assistant course in 2023.

The course is based at Ararat College and offered to students who attend Ararat College, Marian College and Stawell Secondary College.

It is a self-paced course that can be completed within a two-year period. With a studious approach to her learning, Lani completed all requirements of the course in one year and is now utilising her skills in her part-time job as a health service assistant.

EGHS training and development manager Claire Sladdin said the organisation was a strong supporter of the Certificate III in Health Service Assistant course, which had been offered at Ararat College since 2018.

“It is taught by experienced registered nurse Michelle Moors, who utilises East Grampians Health Service’s practical laboratory to teach students clinical skills related to provide first aid and safe patient handling,” she said.

Ms Sladdin said it was recognised that early industry engagement with secondary school students was the key to engaging students in careers they might be considering.

“I am regularly invited to meet with the Certificate III in Health Service Assistant students to discuss career pathways in nursing and healthcare overall,” she said.

“This includes being employed parttime within school-friendly hours as a health service assistant, following successful completion of the first-year requirements of the course.”

With endorsement from iVET, EGHS mapped the course criteria to develop a Health Service Assistant position, encompassing the skills health service assistants can deliver in providing care for consumers who reside in residential aged care facilities.

Lani had a keen interest in nursing

and medicine, completing work experience at EGHS in year 10, which then led to her enrolment in the Certificate III in Health Service Assistant course and her subsequent employment at EGHS.

Lani is positive about her new role and the work she undertakes at 70 Lowe Street.

“The job is so rewarding and enjoyable and I feel like I am making a real difference,” she said.

Lani has learnt the importance of hand hygiene in maintaining infection control and mostly utilises her skills related to safe patient handling, in caring for consumers at 70 Lowe Street. She is mentored by endorsed en-

WORKING TO CONNECT

REWARDING: East Grampians Health Service health service assistant Lani Coburn with 70 Lowe Street resident Chook. Lani is employed at the centre while completing year 12.

rolled nurse Leah McCarthy, whom she works alongside during her rostered shifts, which are after school and on weekends, suiting Lani’s busy schedule and year-12 commitments.

“EGHS is thrilled to offer students like Lani the opportunity to work in the health-industry from a young age,” Ms Sladdin said.

“By investing in members of our community, EGHS continues to ‘grow our own’.

“Lani is an excellent ambassador for EGHS and for fellow students to consider the Certificate III in Health Service Assistant course offered within our local community, as a pathway to a health-related career.”

The School 2 Work Statewide Portal helps school students to find work placements with employers across Victoria. The School 2 Work Portal has a wide range of opportunities with Wimmera and Southern Mallee placed host employers.

EMPLOYERS:

Are you looking at connecting youth with your business? Call Wimmera Southern Mallee LLEN’s School 2 Work Team today

CONTACT: Wimmera Southern Mallee LLEN School 2 Work Team (03) 5381 0122 swl@llen.com.au Proud sponsors of the Western Victorian Careers Expo

Lily Adler Murtoa College I want to study at Monash to be an art teacher. I want to have a look at current course information and do a double bachelor in secondary education and fine arts, to eventually teach VCE art.

Macie Nitschke Warracknabeal Secondary College I’m not really sure what I want to be, but I am interested in going to university and working with children.

Embracing our communities

Rural Northwest Health will showcase its career opportunities across its Warracknabeal, Hopetoun and Beulah campuses at the Western Victorian Careers Expo.

A large rural health service, RNH offers many opportunities to both commence and cultivate careers across a comprehensive range of acute, urgent, aged care, and a wide range of community health and allied services.

As a diverse, innovative and equal opportunity employer, Rural Northwest Health is growing day by day, and has employed more than 100 new team members during the past 15 months in nursing, community health and wellbeing, personal care, leisure and lifestyle, environmental and food services, and finance and administration.

This was no mean feat when you consider the Yarriambiack region continues to recover from COVID and drought, while also juggling housing shortages.

As well as paid roles, there are voluntary roles for people of all ages, offering an opportunity for people to try out the industry before committing to training or study.

RNH’s volunteer program has about 55 active volunteers who give varying amounts of time – from an hour or two each month to several hours or days each week.

RNH values each and every volunteer greatly, as the time they give enhances the lives and social outcomes of the residents.

The diversity of the volunteer roles ranges from the RNH auxiliary, who play a vital role in raising funds and awareness for RNH, the volunteer drivers who transport residents to appointments, volunteer artists who attend several times a year to play an instrument and sing, and students who visit the residents within a literacy program.

Many volunteers engage with the

residents by dining with them, accompanying the resident on outings, enjoying a cuppa with them, playing scrabble, cards, bingo, or any number of other fun activities.

It is always an exciting time welcoming a new team member, and all add something special to their teams and communities, whether it is their language, culture, skills, experience, family dynamic, or that little something

else that makes them unique. From administration to allied health, nursing to cooking, maintenance to leisure and lifestyle, there is a career for everyone at Rural Northwest Health.

Why not stop by our stall at the careers expo and have a chat with our friendly team – who knows, your perfect career could be just a conversation away.

LEADERS: Rural Northwest Health staff, from left, executive manager community services Paula Noble, district nurse team leader Janet Coghill, allied health team leader Abby Powell, chief executive Jenni Masters, acting home support co-ordinator Jason O’Brien, and planned activity group team leader Tony Wagenknecht.

Austin Tyres Stawell Secondary College In the future I would like to work in automotive or as a mechanic.

Jed Warrick Murtoa College I would like to do business marketing at La Trobe in Bendigo, then either work in that field or continue studying to develop my career. I’m going to look for some course information and stuff about the campuses at the expo.