Various industries as well as trade, mining, health, welfare, child studies, hairdressing and university and TAFE options from across the state were on hand for those looking to get a better idea on a future career.

“It points kids in different directions but it also helps broaden their horizons to various options that are out there,” TAFE Western’s Sallyanne Shuttleworth said.  

Students from Orange, Peak Hill, Blayney, Parkes, Condobolin, Molong, Kandos and Forbes were in attendance.

“This expo is also open to the general public, so anyone just looking for a completely different career path they can come here as well.”

Mining was one of the more popular career paths on show.

Newcrest apprentice diesel fitter Dustin Burns said opportunity was the biggest thing the mining industry can offer.

“I always wanted to be a mechanic, I just never had the opportunity. Now I’ve got it out here I’m just running with it,” Mr Burns said.

“With my apprenticeship, I’m nearly finished and I started just doing bits and pieces out there. I’ve nearly got a trade now.”

Mrs Shuttleworth said mining was one of the big attractions at the expo, however, it wasn’t the be all and end all of the show.

“Kids are always interested in mining,” she said.

“I suppose because it has such a big presence here in Orange, but the kids are also interested in anything they can pick up, touch, feel, that sort of thing. 

“We’ve got a V8 race car that the guys can have a look at, we’ve heavy vehicle simulators. 

“Animal studies, there’s a very big TAFE presence because TAFE is one of the main organisers of it,”

She said a gap year was still a popular option for school leavers still unsure on their futures in the work force immediately after finishing their Higher School Certificate.