Almost 200 Year 5 students from the Fraser Coast will discover exciting future career possibilities at a Smart Steps: Jobs to Go expo to be hosted by the University of the Sunshine Coast.

The event at USC’s Fraser Coast campus on Wednesday aims to raise the ambitions of the 10 and 11 year olds, and involves exhibitors from USC, TAFE, the Queensland Police Service and local businesses.

USC Access and Diversity Coordinator Veronica Sanmarco said students from Torbanlea, Urangan Point and Maryborough West state schools would gain hands-on experience in a variety of jobs and professions.

“Students will discover what it is like to work as a nurse, teacher, librarian, police officer, hairdresser, beautician, auto engineer, scientist, barista, exercise physiologist, wildlife carer and other professions,” Ms Sanmarco said.

“Research shows that 10 and 11 years are optimum ages to introduce students to the concept that they have many career choices when they leave school.

“We want them to aspire to complete Year 12 and to consider tertiary study as a way of greatly improving their job options and chances of success.”

The practical career development program included three weeks of classroom activities in the lead-up to the Expo.

“Smart Steps enhances connections between classroom learning with practical demonstrations of a diverse range of jobs,” Ms Sanmarco said.

“This helps to inspire a positive attitude toward the qualifications that these roles require.”

Smart Steps was made possible through funding from the Federal Government’s Higher Education Participation and Partnership Program.

— Clare McKay