Improving Employability at Careers & Employment Expo
Over three hundred students participated in the 2024 Careers and Employment Expo to explore more than two hundred job opportunities on offer.
Co-delivered by the Careers and Employment plus Skills and Job Centre teams, students engaged with 27 employers including, Intrepid Travel, Qantas Group, Hyatt Melbourne, Australian Meat Industry Council (AMIC) and Ferguson Plarre's Bakehouse.
The event plays a significant role in bridging the gap between education and the workforce and according to Angliss Careers Coordinator Liz Mordaunt emphasises the following reasons for why it is an essential highlight of the academic year:
- Provides direct access to a diverse range of employers, allowing students to explore various career paths and gain insights into different industries helping students make informed decisions about their future.
- Facilitates networking opportunities, enabling students to connect with professionals and industry leaders which can lead to internships, job placements, and valuable mentorships in enhancing career prospects.
- Fosters a sense of community among students, encouraging collaboration and support as they navigate their career journeys together.
Prepare before meeting prospective employers
Attendees eagerly prepared by dressing for success and polishing their resumés before meeting with prospective employers on the day.
Recent Certificate III in Hospitality graduate Roland Gordon aims to secure a role in a 5-star hotel. He was grateful for the assistance Liz gave him to update his resumé. "Being able to meet with representatives from various hotels has given me insight into what opportunities are currently available and how best to submit my resumé," said Gordon.
With her sights set on a role at Virgin Australia, Certificate III in Aviation (Cabin Crew) Angliss student Ana Lui explained that during her course, she received a lot of interview practise and advice on developing her resumé. "By meeting representatives from various airlines, I gained information about their training programs and what the next steps will be after completing my course at William Angliss Institute."
Industry Support
The response from industry participants at the Expo was overwhelmingly positive. Their practical guidance to students was crucial for building confidence and improving employability.
"Companies often report that the Expo helps them identify candidates who not only possess the necessary skills but also demonstrate enthusiasm and a strong fit for their organisational culture. Many employers return year after year, indicating that they find the event an effective way to recruit fresh talent and build relationships with the Institute," explained Liz.
Intrepid Travel has been a partner with the Institute for almost one year and it was their first time attending the Expo. People Coordinator at Intrepid Emily Jacobson met with many enthusiastic students who told her that Intrepid was their employer of choice.
"We think it's important to connect with students passionate about the tourism industry and making a positive change in the field. We hope to show prospective graduates the diverse range of opportunities and pathways across our global business that could lead them to rewarding and fulfilling careers, including leading small group trips or behind the scenes in our sales team," said Emily.
Another first-time exhibitor at the Expo was AMIC represented by State Manager VIC/TAS Andrew Meli who said that by participating he aimed to promote the meat industry as a whole and build awareness around the diversity of roles available. Apart from being a butcher, other options include food safety advisor, quality assurance officer and food technologist.
"It was a great way to meet with the Institute's students and many were interested to learn about artisan butchery which is a traditional method of meat preparation that focuses on quality, craftsmanship and sustainability. Our focus is on filling apprenticeship positions and getting young people interested in the industry," added Andrew.
Liz's Top Three Job Search Tips Students and Alumni
- Customise your resumé. Highlight relevant skills and experiences that align with a job description, this shows employers that you are genuinely interested in the role and understand their needs.
- Leverage Networking. Build and maintain relationships with teachers, professors, alumni and industry professionals. Attend networking events, use platforms like LinkedIn, and don't hesitate to reach out for informational interviews. Many job opportunities arise through connections, so expanding your network is crucial.
- Use Career Resources. Take advantage of the resources available at the Institute, such as career counselling, workshops and job boards. Attend the annual Careers & Employment Expo to meet employers and gain insights into different fields. These resources can provide valuable support and guidance throughout your job search journey.
For students actively looking for jobs, the Careers & Employment team offer one on one sessions to assist with resumé writing and interview preparation. These sessions can be booked via careers@angliss.edu.au.
Published 7 October 2024
