Camden Council – Camden Careers Expo
Camden Council hosts an annual Careers Expo to connect local young people and job seekers with career information, employment and service providers in and around the Camden LGA.
Developed through consultation with community and local stakeholders, both Camden’s Economic Development Strategy 2022-2026 and Youth Strategy 2022-2026 identify youth employment as key priorities. The Camden Careers Expo was therefore developed to address this priority, aiming to bring young people, job seekers and organisations offering career pathways together to encourage a collaborative network of services and employers. The objective was to raise awareness of local employment opportunities available at local businesses and regional organisations.
Background
During the development of the Youth Strategy, 12.8 per cent of young people surveyed identified youth employment as the most important focus area affecting them and their peers. When asked what type of programs they would like to address this, 49 per cent of respondents wanted awareness events that can support them to find a job. Meanwhile, consultations identified that a lack of local workers and apprentices, and overall skills shortages were affecting local businesses. Youth employment was subsequently identified as a key priority and the teams overseeing the Youth and Economic Development strategies collaborated to develop and deliver the Careers Expo.
The Careers Expo was timed to coincide with the easing of COVID-19 restrictions and the conclusion of events from Small Business Month, where local businesses sought to build connections and network with their peers at Council-led programs. The Camden Careers Expo enabled larger organisations such as Western Sydney Airport, CSIRO and TAFE NSW to network and explore collaboration opportunities with local Camden businesses.
Implementation
Council’s key partner was Regional Industry Education Partnerships, a program run by the NSW Department of Education, who assisted with programming the event and inviting schools across the region to attend.
Council then used existing contacts and referrals to put together a diverse list of 29 exhibitors, which included local businesses, educational institutions and training providers, recruitment agencies, government organisations and service providers.
A brand and communications plan was developed to promote the event to schools and the general public across a range of platforms.
Outputs
The Careers Expo 2022 showcased 29 services, including training providers and local businesses, exhibiting a program of information that attendees engaged with to enhance their knowledge moving into the workforce. The Careers Expo had over 400 attendees including schools and the general public.
Outcomes and results
Small businesses gained access to over 400 young job seekers and students looking to be proactive and learn about local career opportunities.
For some businesses, this resulted in immediate employment interest from attendees.
In addition, small businesses were given the opportunity to network with other exhibitors, which included regional and government organisations.
The Careers Expo enabled Council to connect young people in the community with relevant and accessible job opportunities and career pathways in the region, including directly with Council as an exhibitor. The Careers Expo had the additional benefit of connecting Council with exhibitors, building relationships that can be leveraged for further Council initiatives.
Costs and funding
The Careers Expo was fully funded by Council. Costs incurred were due to traffic management, catering, program printing and promotions activities.
Key learnings
Successes
- The selection of exhibitors was a significant contributing factor to the day’s success. There was a large range and diversity of exhibitors both locally and regionally based, which provided attendees with a good cross‑section of available opportunities and a broad understanding of their options.
- The targeted demographic was successfully informed about careers for subjects, and those ready to leave school and start work.
- Rotating the schools in timed sessions was a COVID-safe format that also improved logistics.
- Layout of the space and venue were praised by both exhibitors and attendees.
- Catering for exhibitors allowed Council to support local businesses, as well as minimise disruption to exhibitors.
- Branding resonated with both Youth Week and professionals.
Challenges
- Attendance from local Camden schools could be improved with increased awareness and promotion.
- Promotion and communications to start earlier and to focus on consistency.
- Consider more flexible timing options as the time of the event didn't suit everyone.
Other relevant information
Key findings from attendee survey
- 64 per cent of respondents were under the age 25.
- 44 per cent strongly agreed and 56 per cent agreed the event was beneficial to them.
- 92 per cent agreed the Careers Expo helped them learn about future job opportunities and pathways.
- TAFE, Western Sydney Airport and Camden Council were Top 3 exhibitors on the day.
- 88 per cent of attendees would attend a future Careers Expo, and 84 per cent would refer the Careers Expo to a friend.
Council Details
Population size: 114,516
LGA size: 201km2
State Electorate: Camden
Federal Electorate: Hume, Macarthur