Indigenous students from the Shoalhaven region spent the last day of term focused on their future.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Vincentia High School's NAIDOC Careers Expo was held on Friday July 5.
The expo led up to NAIDOC Week and was an opportunity to prepare and inspire students, aged 15 to 18 years, for the workforce.
Booderee National Park collaborated with Wreck Bay Aboriginal Community Council, Regional Development Australia and Vincentia High School to address Aboriginal youth disengagement at school.
Wreck Bay Aboriginal Community Council HR manager George Brown said they brought different businesses from different industries together to make children aware education was extremely important and allowed opportunities.
"We've talked about the educational and social needs of our children to keep them engaged in school," Mr Brown said.
"We start to see disengaged youth in year nine and onwards.
"We want to plant the seed. It's okay to have dreams, to have aspirations."
The aim of the expo was to engage with Indigenous youth and gauge their career aspirations by showcasing different types of businesses, industries and trades that provided career pathways and employment opportunities within the region.
There were almost 30 exhibitors at the Careers Expo which included the University of Wollongong, Grand Pacific Health and Shoalhaven City Council.
The exhibitors showcased a variety of businesses, industries, organisations, governments, companies and trades which offered a variety of opportunities from apprenticeships to work placements.
More than 60 Indigenous students were in attendance.
Booderee National Park is a strong supporter and advocate for Indigenous employment with more than 70 per cent of staff at the park identifying as Indigenous.
Gilmore MP Fiona Phillips attended the event.