Expo reveals career paths

The Pilbara’s biggest trade expo begins Wednesday with hundreds of people travelling to Newman to see where their next career will lead.

Hosted by Empowering People in Communities, the East Pilbara Skills and Trade Expo 2017 will showcase careers for the whole community of Newman and the East Pilbara Region.

EPIC Newman community co-ordinator Georgie Mcinerney said the expo, which is in its fifth year, will bring together exhibitors from across the East Pilbara and WA to showcase skills, trades and career pathways provided not just in the Pilbara but across Australia.

“We changed the name of the event after feedback from the community, however it’s still just as big,” she said.

“The purpose of the expo is to inspire and inform the people of the Shire of East Pilbara of the opportunities in our region.

“The expo will focus on the whole community with five specific focal groups — women returning to the workforce, students transitioning to the workforce, STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths), robotics and coding and careers less ordinary.”

EPIC Newman said attendees should expect an engaging hands-on practical guide to skills and trade in the region by a vast range of business specialists, with interesting activities and relevant tasks throughout the day to develop and grow community knowledge.

One of the many organisations holding an exhibition at this year’s expo is the Pilbara Regiment.

The Australian Army Reserves will host an interactive and engaging stall outside with a surveillance and reconnaissance vehicle on display.

They will also host a recruitment tent where attendees can find out how to join the reserves in the Pilbara.

Soldiers will be there to explain about the army gap year, defence roles, general entry and academy entry.

There will also be several information sessions, including a community information session on coding and setting up coding clubs on April 4 by Coder Dojo.

For more information on stalls, sessions and presentations, as well as registering for the free exhibition, contact newman@empoweringpeople.org.au.