Supporting Young People to Explore Their Work and Study Pathways at CareerQuip 2026

Held at TAFE NSW Taree Campus on 30 July, the event brought together more than 1,200 students, education providers, employers, and community organisations from across the region. As one of over 75 exhibitors, we were proud to be part of an event that encourages young people to think about their futures and discover the opportunities available close to home.

Throughout the day, our team, alongside members of our Youth Reference Group, spoke with more than 300 young people about the support available through our work and study programs. These conversations highlighted something we see every day: while many young people are excited about their futures, they often need access to the right information, encouragement, and support to help them take the next step.

For many students, CareerQuip was an opportunity to ask questions, explore different pathways, and gain a better understanding of the options available after school. Whether they were considering university, TAFE, employment, apprenticeships, traineeships, or other forms of training, the event created a space for meaningful conversations about their goals and aspirations.

Participating in CareerQuip directly supports our commitment to helping young people build confidence and make informed decisions about their future. By engaging with students face-to-face, we were able to raise awareness of the work and study support we provide, connect young people with relevant information and resources, and encourage them to seek support when they need it.

A key highlight of the day was the involvement of our Youth Reference Group members, who played an important role in engaging with students and s

haring their own experiences. Their participation helped create authentic peer-to-peer conversations and ensured young people's voices remained at the centre of our engagement.

The event also coincided with International Day of Friendship, which we celebrated by sharing friendship bracelets handmade by our team. While simple in nature, these bracelets sparked conversations, created connections, and helped our stall feel welcoming and approachable for the many students who stopped by throughout the day.

CareerQuip continues to demonstrate the importance of bringing together education providers, employers, community organisations, and young people in one place. Events like this help bridge the gap between aspiration and opportunity by ensuring young people have access to the information, networks, and support they need to pursue their goals.

We would like to thank Taree Universities Campus for delivering another successful CareerQuip event and creating opportunities for young people across our region to explore their futures with confidence.

We look forward to continuing these conversations and supporting young people as they take the next steps in their work, study, and career journeys.