Transitioning from school to the next stage of your life when you are living with disability often comes with unique challenges and sometimes unexpected opportunities. The Hunter and Central Coast Future Choices Expos are the only events of their kind in the region, attracting over 120 exhibitors with a focus on connecting young people living with disability to employment services, employers, education providers, disability providers and government services to help them make informed decisions about their future and the support available in the move to adult life.
Presented by Career Links, the events are also run in conjunction with the National Disability Coordination Officer Program and the NSW Department of Education Support Teachers. Operating since the year 2000, the event is a critical information resource and important date on the calendar for school leavers and their parents or carers who face the day-to-day challenges of living with a disability and are seeking to explore opportunities and pathways open to them.
“Each year the event attracts approximately 1,500 students,” said Career Links CEO, John Purcell. “Some attend with a school group, others come with their parents or their carers. It’s open to tertiary graduates as well and is free to attend.”
The events attract exhibitors from a range of organisations including:
*Disability Service Providers
*Universities
*TAFE Colleges
*Registered Training Providers
*Group Training Companies
*Youth Support Services
*Career Services
*Employers
*Employment Services
*Supported Employment
*Apprenticeship Centres
*Government Agencies/Services
*Advocacy/Peer Support Groups
*Assistive Technology Suppliers
“Career Links connects our young people, no matter who they are, to the next stage of their lives through education, jobs and information. Some young people want tertiary education, some want vocational training and/or apprenticeships, some need special needs support services and others are just looking for a job. Those who come to our Future Choices Expos are looking for that extra support, they want to know what opportunities are out there for them and we like to think that we are helping their dreams come true, aiding them on the path to the next stage of their young lives.”
Future Choices Hunter Expo takes place on Wednesday 7th August 2024, 9am – 1pm at McDonald Jones Stadium, Turton Road, Broadmeadow and the Future Choices Central Coast Expo is held on Wednesday 28th August 2024, 9am – 1pm at Mingara Recreation Club, Mingara Drive, Tumbi Umbi.
For information on Future Choices visit https://www.ivvy.com.au/event/393MSK.
