WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF ATTENDING THE FESTIVAL

YOUR CHANCE TO MEET AND SPEAK WITH EDUCATORS, LOCAL EMPLOYERS, INDUSTRY BODIES AND TRAINING PROVIDERS UNDER ONE ROOF. 

  • Find out about studying at Griffith University, Bond University, Southern Cross University and TAFE Queensland 
  • Visit exhibitors from a wide range of institutions to learn more about possible study options 
  • Information on Courses / Training / Apprenticeships and Traineeships
  • Real Jobs on Offer: Speak to Gold Coast employers to hear about opportunities – both current and future 
  • FREE Informative Seminars: Hear directly from current students on stage panels.
  • FREE Entertaining Stage Demonstrations
  • FREE Career Advice: Speak with a Career Advisor about your career direction, job search or bring your resume for review
  • FREE Resume Advice
  • FREE Career Development Workshops
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EXHIBITOR INFORMATION

JOIN US AS AN EXHIBITOR AT THE GOLD COAST CAREERS FESTIVAL

The Gold Coast Careers Festival attracts high school students, parents, teachers and career changers from the Gold Coast and surrounds. As an exhibitor, this is your opportunity to meet and engage with your prospective future students and employees. 

Why You Should Exhibit:  

  • Increase your current prospective student database 
  • Quality and meaningful face to face conversations 
  • Student engagement opportunities 
  • Brand awareness for your organisation/institute 
  • Promotional opportunity for upcoming events, open days etc 
  • Expression of interest for speaking and sponsorship opportunities

 

Exhibitor Prospectus Terms & Conditions

 

BOOK HERE

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Schools Information

The Careers Festival is the perfect chance for high school students to discover the many career pathways and opportunities available to them. On Thursday and Friday, our talks and demonstrations are designed with high school students in mind, where they can hear from current tertiary students and have access to key education and training providers in the region. Ensure your students do not miss out on the Gold Coast’s largest and most comprehensive careers event. 

BUS TRANSPORT FOR SCHOOLS  

Bus transportation to and from the event is being offered completely free of charge again in 2025. Buses are limited and will be booked on a first-in first-served basis. To take advantage of this offer, your school must book a minimum of 50 people attending (1 full bus). School visits can be booked in 2 hour sessions.  If you would like to use your own school buses or have any questions about the event, please email us [email protected]

The Gold Coast Careers Festival will be open to allow attendance outside of school hours. Bring along your friends and family to discover a world of opportunity and the pathways to your future career. 

 BUS BOOKING WILL OPEN EARLY TERM 1, 2025

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VISITOR INFORMATION

The Gold Coast Careers Festival is one of the largest events of its kind in Queensland, drawing thousands of visitors each year. Whether you’re a high school student, parent, career changer or job seeker, the Gold Coast Careers Festival gives you access to a diverse collective of educators, career specialists, industry experts, guest speakers and employers through an informative, interactive and engaging experience. 

While the Gold Coast Careers Festival is open to anyone across the duration of the event, the Thursday evening session is tailored towards career changers, job seekers and parents of school students, offering the opportunity for one-on-one consultations with career specialists, guest speakers and presentations in a more relaxed environment.

FREE EVENT:

The event is free to enter. 

WHEN:

Wednesday 14 May 2025 | 9am to 4pm

Thursday 15 May 2025 | 9am to 8pm

WHERE:

Gold Coast Sports and Leisure Centre
296 Nerang Broadbeach Rd, Carrara QLD 4211

PARKING: 

Free parking is available at the venue. 

Career ASPIRATIONS

The Gold Coast is a rapidly growing, dynamic city offering a multitude of employment opportunities with many pathways to achieve your career goals. Everybody’s needs and circumstances are different and sometimes it can be challenging to navigate your way along your career journey. The Festival highlight some of the journeys our students have taken to realise their career aspirations. Their stories may inspire you to follow your dream.

 

 

Blake Skuse Bachelor of Education

Blake Skuse | Southern Cross University

Bachelor of Education

From a young age, Blake was drawn to teaching. After testing out a few different career paths, he decided education was where he felt he could make a difference.

“I’ve always wanted to help people, especially children,” Blake said. “When I was in school I had always been an anxious kid and someone who needed assistance but didn’t want to put my hand up and ask for it. So, I want to become a teacher to make an environment that I wish I was in as a child – somewhere that’s supportive and positive.”

“I really think it starts with the teacher and how passionate they are and how much they care about their students.”

Blake is now incorporating that passion into the classroom during his placement experiences.

“I think teaching is about setting the foundation and then adapting as you go because each student is different. Being a good teacher is not just about education but creating a safe learning environment.”

Georgie Collis Bachelor of OT

Georgie Collis | Southern Cross University

Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (OT)

Georgie is passionate about working in a person-centred healthcare role.

“I’m definitely a people-person and so I chose to study OT because it’s such a holistic way to help people by looking at all the different elements in their life – their social support, their environment, their body and mind, and how you can best help them to regain function or gain function for the first time. When I graduate, I’d like to work in a hospital setting in a multidisciplinary team.”

“I love the course, it’s a very personable environment where I feel like I know a lot of the teachers and my fellow students, with fantastic student support and a beautiful location. I’ve signed up to be on the OT student committee, and it's such a community-driven university, which I really like.”

Late last year, Georgie fulfilled her personal goal of running in the New York Marathon, and in doing so, she raised funds for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation – she’s had diabetes since the age of one.

Georgie is one of the three proud Southern Cross University students awarded the 2024 International Women’s Day scholarship.  

Emma Flori Cabinet Making TAFE Queensland

Emma Flori | Tafe Queensland

Certificate III in Cabinet Making and Timber Technology

EMMA ENCOURAGES WOMEN TO PURSUE TRADE CAREERS

Before picking up the tools, Emma faced the universal dilemma of choosing a career path. She was drawn to the idea of engaging in physical work but was unsure which direction to take. A visit to TAFE Queensland’s Ashmore campus marked a pivotal moment for Emma, and became the turning point in her career.

“Among all the different trade areas of electrotechnology, plumbing, automotive, carpentry and engineering, it was cabinet making that resonated with me. It just really stuck with me," said Emma. Emma is now thriving as first year apprentice at Joinery Eleven on the Gold Coast, while completing a Certificate III in Cabinet Making and Timber Technology at TAFE Queensland’s Ashmore campus.

 

Georgina Morris Bachelor of Pharmacy

GEORGINA MORRIS | Griffith University

Bachelor of Pharmacy

'My long-term career goal is to help create positive change in the wellbeing of the wider Aboriginal community. I decided to study pharmacy to get a deep understanding of medicine and patient care. I aim to combine theoretical and practical skills from my degree with my drive to better understand the needs of Aboriginal communities to contribute to closing the gap in health and life expectancy.'

Georgina is a Kamilaroi woman, completing her Bachelor of Pharmacy with distinction in 2021, and the following year Georgina was named the Pharmacy Guild of Australia / MIMS Intern of 2022. During her third year at Griffith, Georgina completed a rural placement in Bowen where she is currently working as a pharmacist.

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KAITLIN WEEKES | Griffith University

Bachelor of Psychological Science / Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice

Kaitlin Weekes recently graduated with a double degree in psychology and criminology, securing a role with the Queensland Police Service after being mentored by retired Police Inspector and fellow Griffith graduate Rob McCall. Griffith was one of the first universities in Australia to recognise the importance of providing industry mentors with the Industry Mentoring Program. “The industry mentoring program changed my life. Being mentored gave me confidence and the positivity to move ahead,” Kaitlin says. “Rob was incredibly helpful. The rapport between us was very open. And I think I needed someone that helped me recognise my strengths and weaknesses to further my career journey.”

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