Students explore careers in exciting expo
By Damita Whiteley, Catholic Education Tasmania
Students had the opportunity to meet with professionals who have achieved their aspirations at the Southern Catholic Colleges Careers Expo 2026.
Around 2,200 students attended Catholic Education Tasmania’s fourth annual expo, to learn about different career pathways and how they can pursue them.
Held on Tuesday 19 May, at MAC 02 on Hobart’s waterfront, years 9-12 students from the Southern CET schools had the opportunity to meet with over 50 different stallholders spanning diverse industries.
Event co-organiser Marisa Newman said students benefited from this one-of-a-kind opportunity to consider their future career paths, and at such a crucial time in their lives.
“It is really important because these students know that their formal schooling with us will end and it is time to think about what is next,” Marisa said.
“The expo puts the right people in front of the students so they can form those relationships.
“This is a starting point, so they can continue on from here with work placements and work experience, but those initial conversations all started here.”
Science-based careers were a popular choice for many students. Lucy Callinan, a Year 12 student from St Mary’s College, was considering a career in radiology or pharmacy. While Ava Baker, a Year 10 student from Sacred Heart College, had set her mind on becoming a sonographer.
“It is really inspirational to hear from people in those roles, they could be your future co-workers,” Ava said.
St Aloysius Catholic College Year 11 students Thomas Purdie and Bella Wilson were interested in employment in health-related professions. Thomas said he was considering a career as a paramedic and Bella was leaning towards oncology.
Turning passions into careers was also a popular theme from the day for ambitious young students. Sasha Bennett, a Year 11 student at St Mary’s College said her dream was to do technical theatre professionally.
“That’s the backstage side of theatre—stage managing, lights, sounds,” Bella said.
“I will be going around and looking at the different unis here and the pathways. A lot don’t necessarily offer technical theatre as a degree, but it might be hidden in a major or an elective subject within a course. I will also see if it crosses over with teaching as a double degree.”
With a passion for football, soccer and cricket—Year 10 student Lucas Spinks, from Sacred Heart College, was looking to turn his interests into a profession.
“I really enjoy studying sport science at school, so I have found that physiotherapy and the health area is something I am interested in,” Lucas said.
One of the drawcards of the day was stallholder Apple Box Studio; a not-for-profit organisation that has a vision for a sustainable, Tasmanian, creative industry. Chair of the board, Jags Goldsmith, said the organisation was passionate about creating professional opportunities in the arts for young people so they could follow their dreams without leaving the state. Career paths span the genres of film, television, theatre and video game creation, among others.