A USC expo will shake up job stereotypes as its gives about 500 primary school students from across the Gympie region a taste of what their futures careers could be.

USC will host the Explore Pathways Expo for Year 5 students on Friday 8 June at its Gympie campus from 9.15am to 2pm.

USC’s Manager of Student Access and Diversity Veronica Sanmarco said the hands-on career immersion day would allow students to experience a range of occupations, including those they may not have considered.

“Research shows that often children’s career aspirations are still based on outdated gender stereotypes which can limit their potential,” she said.

“Primary school is time when many students start forming firm ideas about their future. Having the chance to discover what it is like to work in many different jobs will help to open their minds to the numerous study and career options available to them.”

The careers to be showcased by exhibitors from USC, TAFE and other organisations include the police, fire and emergency services, paramedics, law, fashion, nursing, science, technology and outdoor education.

The expo is part of USC’s Explore Pathway program for Year 4,5 and 6 students, a practical career development program that includes three-weeks of classroom activities based on the themes of adventure and discovery.

“The program takes students on a pretend journey to a deserted island where they use their imagination to build their ideal community,” Ms Sanmarco said.

“In doing so, they develop an awareness of their own skills and interests while discovering which skills are necessary for a range of different jobs.”

The Explore Pathway Program is funded through the Federal Government’s Higher Education Participation and Partnerships Program to build aspirations to go on to higher education.

– Clare McKay