Jobs and skills exploration galore at free Perth expo

• Free careers expo from 27-29 July at Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre
• Latest careers, jobs, skills and training information under one roof
• Opportunities to connect with employers and training providers
• Skills and career displays, live demonstrations and a dedicated STEM hub
• Jobs and Skills Centre services available to jobseekers

Western Australia's biggest showcase of jobs, skills and training is getting underway in Perth.

Now in its 14^th year, the SkillsWest Careers & Employment Expo provides the chance for Western Australians to explore career opportunities and connect with over 130 employers and training organisations all under one roof.

More than 11,000 secondary students, graduates and career changers are expected to attend the SkillsWest Expo this year for free advice and interactive experiences to inspire their future careers.

The State Training Board's recent Mobilising WA's Future: Young people in VET report found young people's direct exposure to different training and career pathways helps them to truly understand and evaluate their post school options.

The SkillsWest Expo provides a unique opportunity to speak with industry experts about career paths and vocational education and training.

Staff from TAFE colleges and Jobs and Skills Centres are on-hand at the Expo to provide free and practical advice on apprenticeship, training and career opportunities.

They can advise visitors on the State Government's range of free and low fee courses, including short-course Job Ready pathways to employment, and practical support to help Western Australians turn their life experience into dream careers.

If you're a parent or teacher, they can help you learn more about the State Government's $22 million Career Taster Program (CTP), which is providing Year 9 students from around the State with access to career discovery and practical industry activities to support early exposure to the world of work.

Last year, more than 13,700 students from 178 WA schools had participated in more than 10,300 CTP activities delivered by WA TAFE colleges and industry partners, including 30 per cent from regional and remote schools. 

A key attraction at the Expo is the dedicated TAFE STEM hub in the Try'aSkill zone, where attendees can experience hands-on activities in new and emerging technologies. These include the virtual and autonomous technologies being deployed by TAFEs to expose students to industry-standard equipment and real-life working environments.

WA WorldSkills competitors, who are some of the State's most talented apprentices and trainees, will be showcasing their skills talents in wall and floor tiling, refrigeration, carpentry, visual merchandising and more ahead of the WorldSkills Australia National Championships in Melbourne in August.

Western Australians are encouraged to visit the SkillsWest Expo at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre until 29 July to find out more about what Western Australia's training system and employment market has to offer.

For information visit http://skillswestexpo.com.au/.

The State Training Board's report is at https://www.stb.wa.gov.au/

Comments attributed to Training Minister Simone McGurk:

"The SkillsWest Expo provides a window into the incredible array of careers and training opportunities on offer in Western Australia.

"Whether it's construction, health, education, creative industries, IT or defence, you will be able to get a taste of a range of industries through interactive, informative displays from more than 130 organisations and employers.

"The expo is also the ideal place to find out about the practical support our Government has made available to help Western Australians of all ages and backgrounds access training and jobs.

"Whether you're in secondary school or looking for new work and career options the SkillsWest Expo has something for everyone."