In its tenth year, Cornerstone College has been helping students map out a career pathway, with the annual Adelaide Hills Careers Expo. Bringing together as many career options as possible for students to discover, all under the one roof, it provides students and families with opportunities to talk first-hand with professionals and advisors in industry or education.
Deciding which career pathway to choose can be one of the most challenging and introspective considerations students will make in their senior school years. To assist with making career choices and tailoring subject selections for a career pathway in Years 10, 11 and 12, the expo provides informed and educated options and has been a valuable tool for student confidence when choosing a suitable career pathway.
The Cornerstone College Adelaide Hills Careers Expo was held on 6 August and successfully hosted over 500 attendees in the College Gym (inbarendi). An open invitation and a free event, families and students from both the Adelaide Hills community as well as 23 schools from the Hills and Adelaide metro, came to meet with more than 80 exhibitors. Schools and families visited from as close by as Cornerstone College, or as far as Birdwood High School, Concordia College, Heathfield High School, Mount Barker High School, Scotch College, Marryatville High School, St Peter’s College, Willunga Waldorf and many other Schools from around the region.
Students were able to gain insight offered by apprenticeship organisations, Universities, TAFE and Education & Training organisations. Defence and Emergency Services, Disability Services, Health Care, Creative Industries. Job opportunities, study options, local businesses and even promising gap year options.
This exposure gave students a great opportunity to ask questions from people representing the organisations they may not otherwise be able to meet with. Questions about what it’s like in the industry, the types of jobs available, what qualifications and skills they may need, or what courses are available. Where will their study take them and how to get to those end results. Students discovered how to apply for an apprenticeship, traineeship or job and the next steps to take on their career pathway choices.
The Expo is part of the comprehensive careers support provided at Cornerstone College, which includes workshops for students and parents, Year level meetings, individualised consultations with students, VET counselling and support with subject selection.
Feedback from the event was greatly appreciated, including comments about our student ambassadors praising their warmth and friendliness, problem solving and help.
Comments from our visitors and exhibitors included, “Always a great event. It’s lovely how all surrounding schools are invited.” “The time held in the evening is great, it facilitates parents being able to attend and to ask additional questions their child may not ask.”
“I spoke with between 50 and 100 visitors to my site!” Paige Kleinig (Old Scholar), MyPhysio.
“We were able to talk to students about the diverse opportunities at Beyond Bank including the Community Section where we are out & about with our communities. Students were surprised that a bank is more than just loans or Bank Tellers. Many were surprised that a lot of our staff have worked their way to management without a university degree.” Ann Barney (Sponsor),
Beyond bank.
“I attend 30 Expos each year, and one thing I noticed about this Expo is that students were interested in learning about many different options, visiting all of the exhibitors, and their families were encouraging of this.” Montana Billing (Old Scholar) ClipJoint Education. Montana completed a VET course in Year 11 at Cornerstone College and then went into Hairdressing.
“I was really surprised at how my interests and skills are well matched to turning them into a successful career path.” Oscar, Marryatville High School Student.
“I knew I wanted to go to Uni, but wasn’t sure which one, and it was helpful being able to speak with experts so I could work out the best direction for me. I was surprised at how many options there are, it broadens my options, and you get a bunch of free stuff.” Jada, Year 12 student Cornerstone College.
Adelaide Hills Careers Expo, continues to grow each year, from its early days with just 18 exhibitors, to now with more than 80 exhibitors and 3 major sponsors, enabling exhibitors to display, at no cost, fully catered and consequently supporting the Expo as a free event. With over 500 attendees, it is recognised by exhibitors as one of the best school-based Careers Expos in the state.
We look forward to inviting and welcoming all students, schools and families, to another Adelaide Hills Careers Expo in 2025, at Cornerstone College.