More than 50 training institutions, specialist organisations, TAFEs and universities attended the expo alongside students from Chatham High, Taree High, Wingham High, Gloucester High, St Clare’s High, Taree Christian College, Great Lakes College, Bulahdelah Central and Manning Valley Anglican College.

For many students the large number of stalls was an opportunity to gather information on a variety of possible career paths.

Wingham High School student Caitlyn Cameron said she was interested in studying speech pathology or nursing at Newcastle University, but the variety of stalls encouraged her to keep her options open.

Banjo Hunt, a year 10 student at Taree High, said he was interested in business and marketing but wasn’t sure what institution he would like to attend.

“None of us really know what we want to do yet, but I’ll check this out later and see if we can work it out,” he said, motioning to the various handouts the stalls were offering to students. 

Dancing, drama and animation institutions were some of the most popular stalls, as well as the traditional universities and stalls hosted by the defence force and police.

Mikah Gibson, a representative for the Indigenous Youth Mobility Program, said the expo was a chance for the students to explore their interests. 

“It’s good to show the students what options and support are available to them,” he said.