Competition for young people to take up a wide variety of career paths has never been greater, ensuring huge interest in the Adelaide Career and Employment Expo at the Adelaide Showgrounds.

While more than 9000 students from 110 schools across all three education sectors were predicted to attend the event, there are more than 6500 government secondary students expected to undertake an industry-endorsed Vocational Education and Training (VET) program in 2025.

Data also shows more than 5100 public school students started a VET qualification as part of a Flexible Industry Program (FIP) last year – an increase of 20% on 2023.

More than 200 organisations and employers were present at the two-day Expo starting on Friday 9 May to provide information to school students, parents, teachers, graduates, and job seekers.

Career opportunities in the defence and space industries were in the spotlight, with the first-ever Defence and Space Industry Careers Showcase as part of the Expo. The Showcase brought more than 20 companies in defence and space industries together with specialised education providers – helping attendees discover career options and pathways in naval shipbuilding, aerospace, cybersecurity, spacecraft design, mission operations, and data analytics sectors.

Also highlighted in this year’s Expo, were VET in schools options and other future career pathways at the department’s ‘Student Pathways and Careers Hub’.

The focus on vocational career pathways is particularly important in South Australia, as over the next five years it’s predicted the state will need about 78,000 VET qualifications.

The State Government has made significant investments in skills and training, including the signing of the $2.3 billion National Skills Agreement, delivering Fee-Free TAFE, funding for five technical colleges and boosting funding for training providers to address skills shortages.

Read more about student pathways options and VET on the Student Pathways website.