The event was organized by Mid Coast Youth Career Services, a local community partnership funded under the Federal Government’s Career Advice Australia initiative.

Manager, Jenny Fraser, said the forum attracted school and industry leaders in both industries.

“The forum is designed to bring industry leaders and education facilities together to investigate how they can work together to bring young people aged 13 to 19 years into the aged care or hospitality industries,” she said.

“Our area has a large involvement in both industries – they are large employers already – so this means there are more business opportunities if young people want to consider them.

“This year’s forum attracted a good cross section of industries including apprenticeship centres, group training companies, schools, TAFE and business.”

A series of industry leaders addressed the forum during the morning including Paul Grimes, from Bliss Restaurant.

“He stressed the importance of getting the right information to young people about career opportunities but more importantly, how to achieve their goal,” Mrs Fraser said.

“Paul said that attitude was invaluable to young people and not just the qualification … he spoke about being a team player, having good communication skills, being prepared to get involved in the entire business operation and not just to focus on one area.

“So we get really hands-on when industry talks to us.”

Mrs Fraser said the afternoon included workshop groups where education and industry from the one town sat down and talked through their particular issues.

“In this way, particular towns can work out how to better educate young people about career options in one of the industries,” she said.

The other important aspect of the forum was that Mid Coast Youth Career Services could also set its path for the next 12 months based on the outcomes from the forum.

“From the results of the forum we can look to make connections, develop relationships with business and training organizations and set our goals into the next year,” Mrs Fraser said.

Last year’s forum focused on the manufacturing industry.

For more information on the Mid Coast Youth Career Services contact their office on 6583-5910.