Sharks & Capital Bluestone combine for third Career Expo

Sharks Have Heart and their Platinum partner Capital Bluestone combined last week in hosting the 2018 Careers & Education Expo at Sharks Leagues Club

Some 900 students from four local area high schools were treated to a glimpse of what their future career options might be at the 2018 Careers & Education Expo held at Cronulla Sharks Leagues Club last week.

A joint initiative between Sharks Have Heart and their Platinum partner Capital Bluestone, the third Careers Expo showcased local businesses, University and TAFE advisors, as well as industry and trade experts at what was an informative event enjoyed by those who attended.

Two of the world's biggest brands in Google and Qantas were amongst the businesses present, with the year 10-12 students from across the Shire visiting stalls and speaking to representatives from 30 different organisations.

Ben Fairfax, Managing Director of Capital Bluestone , was pleased and proud of what the Expo was providing for the young men and women of the Sutherland Shire.

"In previous years we've had great success giving young people an insight into the range of careers available to them through the Careers & Education Expo."

"In 2018 we took it a step further by bringing together employers and students and facilitating real-world work experience."

"It allows students to make contact with the employers, to present themselves and to speak face to face with people in the industry about the studies required and the challenges they might face," Fairfax added.

For Leagues Club CEO Tim McAleer, it was his first Careers and Education Expo since stepping into his role at the Sharks and he was impressed by what he saw on the day.

"Just knowing what the opportunities are is important," McAleer said. "What Ben and Capital Bluestone have created here over the years for the young people of the Shire is amazing.

"There is a lot of choice (for young people), it's hard to know which direction to go, but coming here gives some insight into the opportunities."

While Sharks Football CEO Barry Russell also saw the Careers Expo as a chance for those who attended to gain insights into a variety of career options.

"I encouraged them to engage with the businesses and people here today and to ask a lot of questions. And to always challenge yourself and to try a few different things," Russell added.

The event had a focus on delivering real outcomes for young people and as mentioned by Mr Fairfax, this year's Expo offered students and businesses to connect, with internships, work experience and casual work opportunities being offered.

Sutherland Shire Council were supportive of the Expo along with organisations across a whole range of industries from hospitality to construction, fitness, technology, and the emergency services.

Sharks NRL players Aaron Woods, Ricky Leutele and Jayson Bukuya also attended on the day, interacting with students and talking through some of their pre-football employment experiences.

Leutele and Bukuya are both currently undertaking a construction and carpentry course through Sutherland Tafe for life post their rugby league careers.

Free buses were provided to all the schools that attended, event host Dane Wheeler briefed and prepared students as to what to expect before they entered the auditorium, while 48 young men and women from the NRL's Indigenous School to Work program were present at the morning session.

The stallholders at the Expo included;