JOBSEEKERS of all ages are being encouraged to go along to next week’s Fraser Coast Industry & Careers Showcase to tap into current job vacancies, apprenticeship opportunities and long-term career pathways.

The free event, a partnership between Jobs Fraser Coast and Fraser Coast Regional Council, brings together local businesses, training providers and support agencies with current jobseekers and those on the hunt for a new or future career.

Deputy Mayor Paul Truscott said with more than 80 employers and organisations from a wide range of sectors involved in the indoor-outdoor event, the showcase would be a one-stop employment shop for everyone from school leavers and career changers through to local businesses struggling to find workers.

“We’re so excited about this event and the possibilities it can open up for our community members and, by extension, our region’s economy,” Cr Truscott said.

“There are so many great things happening on the Fraser Coast at the moment, with everything from new businesses and company expansions to industrial redevelopments across a range of sectors.

“We want to see local people prosper from those opportunities the most, and this showcase will provide them with the chance to see what’s out there.

“With industries represented including trades and manufacturing, timber and agriculture, health and aged care, and police and emergency services, there’ll be no shortage of inspiration.”

Member for Hervey Bay Adrian Tantari said it was important for all levels of government to work together to address skills and workforce shortages, and the showcase was a great example of that collaboration for community benefit.

“Addressing skills and workforce gaps isn’t just a local problem – it’s a nationwide challenge – but it’s important we start looking for solutions locally to address issues particular to our region,” Mr Tantari said.

“I’m really proud that the Fraser Coast Regional Jobs Committee, which is funded by the Queensland Government, has been the driving force behind this event in partnership with Fraser Coast Regional Council.

“The Palaszczuk Government recently released our Queensland Workforce Strategy 2022-2032, whose initiatives are designed to educate the workforce, attract and retain skilled workers, and connect industry, community and government to more Queenslanders.

“This event does all those things, and I encourage all jobseekers to attend it.”

Fraser Coast Regional Jobs Committee chair Michelle Hay said beyond just filling vacancies, the showcase aimed to take a holistic, end-to-end approach to employment.

“One of our biggest goals is aspiration building – we want people to come along and discover something they might not have considered before,” Ms Hay said.

“We also want to give them the chance to try it out. There will be loads of hands-on, interactive experiences, direct access to industry experts, and advice on training or education pathways to help them get where they want.

“But alongside employers, training providers and tertiary institutions, people will also find organisations that can provide them with funding options, wellbeing support, mentoring, and job-readiness skills.

“It’s really about looking at the whole person, finding the best fit for them, and supporting them with what they personally need to succeed.”

One of the exhibiting organisations aiming to do just that is IMPACT Community Services, whose WORKFit program will play an important part in helping people get job-ready.

“WORKFit helps build confidence and overcome barriers, and gives people tools to independently develop their skills and improve their employability,” WORKFit manager Travis Modesti said.

“At the showcase, experienced mentors from our team will be there to help people develop their resumes, use our JOBScan software to identify strong matches for their skills and goals, do mock interviews, or even help them start a conversation with a potential employer – whatever they need.

“The showcase will be full of genuine career opportunities. We want to help people of all ages have the best shot at taking advantage of them.”

The full list of exhibitors is available on the Jobs Fraser Coast website.

The Fraser Coast Industry and Careers Showcase will take place at the Maryborough Showgrounds on October 12. For more details, visit www.jobsfrasercoast.com.au or follow @JobsFraserCoast on Facebook.