Kimberley students explore career opportunities

Almost 1,000 students from the Kimberley region got a sneak peek into what life after school could look like at a recent careers expo in Broome. 

Students from Year 6 to 12 had the opportunity to explore local employment, education and training opportunities at the West Kimberley careers expo, which was held at the Broome Civic Centre on 30 April and 1 May. 

Students from as far away as One Arm Point Remote Community School and La Grange Remote Community School attended, along with cohorts from Broome Senior High School and Derby District High School. 

Jamie Coltman, regional workforce coordinator at the Kimberley Education Regional Office, said the event was a success. 

“The expo gave students the opportunity to interact with employers and ask about career pathways and opportunities,” he said. 

“A panel of former students spoke to Year 11 and 12 students and answered their questions. 

“We also had students fill out a passport, which required them to interact with exhibitors to complete it.  

“Students got a lot out of it.”  

The expo featured 56 exhibits from a wide range of industries, including mining, health, construction, agriculture and hospitality. 

Education institutions, training providers and state and local government organisations also provided advice and discussed opportunities with students. 

The interactive displays were popular with students. 

“Broome Port Authority had an interactive crane game for loading sea containers onto a shipping vessel,” Mr Coltman said. 

“They also had a paddling pool set up with a remote-control boat and a crane.  

“INPEX brought their virtual reality set-up which gave students an experience of being on the oil rig that is currently processing gas offshore from Broome. 

“WA Police also had a drone that they flew a few times.” 

Organising a visit to the annual careers expo is just one of many ways local schools help students explore career pathways and find job opportunities in the Kimberley. 

“Broome is a tourist town and, as such, the schools promote the student workforce to local business,” Mr Coltman said.  

“In my role, I liaise closely with local business and training providers to seek out opportunities for students. 

“The Broome Chamber of Commerce and Industry assists schools with speed recruiting events where local business with jobs that need filling are put into contact with students looking for work. 

“We also actively encourage students to take up school-based traineeships in local businesses and our highly successful work experience program places students into work experience blocks.  

“Many of these students then go on to get either full-time or part-time employment with these employers.”