So many careers to choose

HANDS ON: Rebecca Anthony of Nga Tawa College had a shearing lesson with Knud Bukholt at the Ag Challenge display.

Country came to town for the Biennial Wanganui Careers and Trades Expo held at the War Memorial Hall last Friday.

Secondary students visiting throughout the day were greeted by a float full of woolly sheep and the opportunity to have a go at shearing them.

The pop-up shearing shed was part of the Ag Challenge display at the free expo where Whanganui region Year 12 and 13 students visited with their schools throughout the day.

Tutor Knud Bukholt and his son, Jens, were providing the training along with support from Ag Challenge students.

"We have allocated two sheep for each of the schools visiting today," said Jens, who is taking a break from his navy career.

The navy had a kiosk at the expo alongside other defence forces and there were a number of career providers offering information and advice.

Alongside the education and training providers, Horizons Regional Council road safety co-ordinators had a booth where students were completing awareness tests and Whanganui Police Youth Service were also providing information.

The local Ministry of Social Development Youth Service team were also at the expo to talk with young people who may have left school or plan to leave without a career pathway.

There were representatives from universities, polytechnics and private training providers throughout New Zealand and for students who might fancy a "gap year" working overseas there was information about working at summer camps in the Canada, US or the UK.

Peter MacDonald of Ag Challenge said it was a pleasure to welcome around 380 adults to the expo before the day ended at 7pm.

"Students brought their parents back in the evening to see what we had on offer, which was a fantastic effort," Mr MacDonald said.