GOLD COAST CAREERS FESTIVAL

The 2023 Gold Coast Careers Festival has wrapped up for another year. Thank you for all the attendees, the exhibitors and the venue for your support. 
We're already looking forward to next year's event.
If you're interested in exhibiting at the 2024 Gold Coast Careers Festival? please contact [email protected]

 

YOUR CHANCE TO MEET EDUCATORS, LOCAL EMPLOYERS 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 
  • Speak to Gold Coast employers to hear about opportunities – both current and future 
  • Speak with a Career Advisor about your career direction, job search or bring your resume for review 
  • Hear directly from current students on stage panels  
  • Go in the draw to win a $5,000 Career Support Grant to help you get started in your dream career. 

Read the Careers Festival Program

EVENT PARTNERS 

Faces of The Festival

Holli Ryder

Holli Ryder, Certificate III Cabinet Making.

TAFE

I’ve always had a passion for working with timber, so I took woodwork as an elective at school and then went I left enrolled in cabinet making at TAFE on the Gold Coast. I’m just about to complete my apprenticeship at PCS Cabinets in Murwillumbah and I love every minute of my job. The most rewarding part as an apprentice is having more opportunities to go on site and install the kitchens and bathrooms and seeing the process from start to finish.  

With the right determination and enthusiasm I think any woman can succeed in any career they like. I’ve succeeded in a traditionally male-dominated trade, but there’s a lot more girls coming through the ranks now. Certainly the training and the skills I received from TAFE Queensland ensured that I could hold my own in any company, which has given me so much confidence on the job. My teachers were amazing and always there to help if anyone was unsure or needed reassurance.  

Courtney Evans

Courtney Evans, Diploma of Nursing.

TAFE

I was working in hospitality and tourism when I had an accident while I was skiing in Japan. That injury turned into countless hospital visits, which gave me a lot of exposure to the health industry. The nurses throughout my recovery journey brightened my day with their kind and caring nature and it made me rethink my whole career path. I’ve always been a people person and I saw that my interpersonal skills could transfer well into a nursing career.

I enrolled in the July 2020 intake and haven’t looked back since. The practical facilities at the TAFE Queensland Southport campus were amazing and that had a huge impact on my learning as I was able to grasp the concepts much easier. The facilities really increased my confidence and refined my skill level, ensuring I was well prepared when going into industry placements.

If I hadn’t had my accident I would have never had the opportunity to meet and talk to all the inspiring nurses that looked after me and I wouldn’t have had the time or drive to become a student at the age of 30. It’s certainly confirmed that it was the right decision to change my career.

mIA

Mia Leikvold Trapnes, Bachelor of Film and Television.

Bond University

I’m a 20-year-old woman from a small town in Norway, who moved to the Gold Coast in August 2022. I recently completed my first year of my Bachelor’s degree in Film and Television at Bond University. Being passionate about film, I conducted thorough research to find the university that would best suit my needs. It was during this process that a counsellor recommended Bond University, which stood out to me due to their exceptional film program. The program boasts industry-experienced lecturers, which was a major factor in my decision to pursue my studies at this university. 

 

I can honestly say that moving from the other side of the world has been a truly unique experience that I will always be grateful for. Choosing to attend Bond University was undoubtedly one of the best decisions I've made, and I couldn't be happier with my experience so far. As I begin my second year here, I'm filled with excitement and anticipation for all that lies ahead.

MA

Ma-Janneh Miller, Bachelor of International Relations and Bachelor of Laws.

Bond University

Bond University is the perfect environment to nurture your wildest dreams. I’ve been blessed with so many unique opportunities that have helped me further my professional and personal development. I love the rigorous discussion in class. My opinions and thought processes are always being challenged at Bond, which in turn, leads me to having a broader understanding of the world, and the origins of my thoughts and beliefs.

One of the best things about studying at Bond is that they encourage students to gain as much industry experience as possible, and this is something I’ve been lucky enough to have already done. Undertaking an industry placement has allowed me to deepen my understanding of my chosen field, and better understand where I should focus my attention as I prepare for my future career. In five years, I hope to be in a job that combines my passions of law, international relations, and playwriting – perhaps working in the growing field of arts diplomacy, or as an in-house lawyer for a theatre company.

Georgina Morris Bachelor of Pharmacy

Georgina Morris, Bachelor of Pharmacy

Griffith University

‘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.

Emily

Emily Havas, Bachelor of Environmental Science

Griffith University

Studying urban ecology has opened my eyes to the environment in which I live, and what ecosystem interactions are occurring within those urban environments.

I took every opportunity that the University offered, such as Griffith Sciences PLUS (Professional Learning for University Students) program,  as well as mentoring, and I also invested a lot of time in building up my professional network.

Through these experiences I secured a work-integrated learning placement with Natura Pacific, an environmental consultant company, and I have since secured a graduate environmental consultant role with them.

bRIGHLEY

Brighley Dangerfield, Bachelor of Business and Enterprise.

Southern Cross University

My full-time job is in the tech industry which is all about innovation, so it made sense that I decided to study business majoring in entrepreneurship and innovation. I’m always trying to find better ways to do things and for a business to move forward, they always need to be looking ahead into the future. You need to listen to your customers and the market that you’re operating in and how that market is changing.

Studying business has taught me a range of skills, the most important of which was communication. The content in the degree is really relevant and up to date. It’s something you can take anywhere with you, whatever business, or field you go into - if it’s your own business, you’re going to learn invaluable skills. After graduating I’d like to pursue a career in product management.

rONKE

Ronke Adeniran, Bachelor of Nursing.

Southern Cross University

Originally I spent three years training in Nigeria as an anaesthetic technician, but a lack of opportunity for advancement made me consider opportunities abroad. My mother was a nurse, so nursing appealed to me and Australia immediately stood out. It seems so positive about welcoming international students and it’s so beautiful!

I loved my first clinical placement at the Tweed Hospital and now I’m in a care placement at Burleigh Heads. The placements have been wonderful. I was able to take the things I have been learning and put them into practice. It was real world experience, yet more than that, it proved that I can do this.

There are many challenges as an international student and so many challenges when you have make tough decisions in life, even when they are for the best of reasons. I have built a thick skin and a strong heart. My family is here now and the future is full of love and promise.

Gold Coast Sports and Leisure Centre 3 v2

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 Careers Festival gives you access to a diverse collective of educators and employers, through an informative, interactive and engaging experience.

FREE EVENT:

The event is free to enter. Register upon entry to be in the draw to win a $5,000 Career Support Grant. T&C apply

WHEN:

Thursday 1 June - Saturday 3 June 2023
Thursday & Friday: 9am - 3pm
Saturday: 9am - 1pm

WHERE:

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

PARKING: 

Free parking is available at the venue. 

CHANCE TO WIN AT THE FESTIVAL: 

- a $5,000 Career Support Grant. T&C apply

- a 3 night stay at an Accor property T&C apply

- a $150 Gift pack T&C apply

Plan Your Festival

Download here the 2023 Careers Festival program

Stage Schedule

 

 

 

FESTIVAL MAP

 

StudyGC CareersFestival 158

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. 

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

 

INTERESTED IN EXHIBITING IN 2024? For information about exhibiting at the 2024 Gold Coast Careers Festival, please contact [email protected]

StudyGC CareersFestival 149

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 on Thursday 1 June and Friday 2 June 2023. 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 is open on Saturday 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. 

 

Student Worksheet

Event Partners

Bond University

Bond University

In a world of universities - go to the one that stands out

At Bond, you will not become just another student in the background. You are always visible. Your lecturers will know you, your tutors will invest time in you, so your learning will get the attention it deserves. It’s what sets us apart. An individual approach to learning that makes us different from the rest. And it’s why we produce graduates who get noticed above others.

Bond students don’t get lost in the crowd. They get personal attention.
They’re visible. They stand out. Now and after they graduate.

Griffith University

Griffith University

At Griffith, we believe in, strive for and celebrate the remarkable. Created to be a different kind of university, we know that success often comes from being an exception to the norm. We believe in the potential for all people to be remarkable - to be courageous, to capture opportunity, to make a difference and change the future.

Ranking in the top 2% of universities worldwide, Griffith consistently performs in the top 300 of the major international indices. Our high-quality degrees are specifically designed to prepare students for the future and are developed in consultation with industry and based on cutting-edge research.

Our students gain the academic knowledge of a world-class university, as well as the skills and confidence that employers want. Through industry placements and projects for industry clients, students put what they learn in the classroom into practice and gain valuable contacts before they graduate.

SCU

Southern Cross University

Southern Cross University stands for what matters

It’s not a slogan. It’s an ethos that informs our courses, our research and our direction as a university.

It means we are committed to protecting and managing our precious natural resources, to understanding and advancing our human world.

Regenerating, challenging, exploring, experimenting; finding solutions where there appeared to be none, building knowledge from the ground up. Adapting and finding resilience in an uncertain world.

Whether you study at one of our beautiful campuses or online, our small class sizes mean we know you by name. You’ll be supported every step of the way with leading student services designed to help you flourish and succeed at university.

Tafe Queensland

Tafe Queensland

TAFE Queensland on the Gold Coast delivers successful outcomes for students, employers, industry and communities. TAFE Queensland is the state’s largest and most experienced further education and training provider, delivering practical, industry-relevant courses. On the Gold Coast TAFE Queensland is well known for its expertise and specialisation nursing, health and trades courses

TAFE Queensland has five campuses on the Gold Coast including Ashmore, Coolangatta, Coomera Creative, Coomera Marine and Southport. They provide many pathways into university studies and offer Bachelor degrees in IT, digital media and communications, and music in partnership with Southern Cross University.

GET SOCIAL