Trade and Career Expo 2025: A Day of Discovery and Opportunity

Orange College and Mars Institute’s annual event on August 6th once again proved that hands-on learning and industry connections are key to unlocking students’ potential.

The event kicked off at 11:30 am with high energy as 11 industry vendors launched live demonstrations. Companies such as Paslode, Bunnings, Makita, Carpentry Australia, and Taubmans showcased their innovations while students moved between booths, engaging directly with professionals and experiencing trades firsthand.

The morning activities quickly drew crowds. From games like giant Jenga and Hookey, to Anthony’s popular wood-graining station, where students watched plain timber transform into realistic grain patterns. There was no shortage of interaction! 

The excitement continued at the first lucky draw at noon, which brought everyone together before a BBQ lunch created an informal space for networking. Students connected with industry representatives over food and drinks, forming relationships that extended beyond formal presentations.

After lunch, the interactive learning deepened with Deon’s carpenter pencil-making demonstration. Participants worked with wooden blocks and carving tools to create their own essential carpentry pencils, experiencing the satisfaction of crafting something useful with their hands. 

The expo successfully catered to various educational pathways. A tailored session welcomed Year 12 students from Ozford College, ensuring English language learners could fully participate and understand the opportunities available to them. This inclusive approach reflected the expo’s broader mission: ensuring every student, regardless of background, can find their place in Australia’s thriving trades sector. The presence of the Migrant Worker Centre, Kowanj Australasia and Study Melbourne reinforced this commitment to diversity, providing crucial support and information for students navigating both educational and settlement pathways.

The variety of exhibitors, from tool manufacturers like Makita and Nikpol to service providers like My Fast Medical, demonstrated the ecosystem supporting modern trades. Students could see beyond the primary trade skills to understand the technology, safety protocols, and support systems that make successful careers possible.

As the afternoon progressed, Carpentry Australia provided valuable insights into career lifecycle support, guiding carpentry students through the complete journey from apprenticeship to building portfolios. This comprehensive overview helped students see not just immediate opportunities but also long-term career development, while the wide range of exhibitors highlighted the broader ecosystem supporting modern trades.

The event concluded with final lucky draws and closing remarks from Orange College’s CEO, who reinforced the institution’s commitment to practical, hands-on trades education. Students left with business cards, new contacts, and a stronger understanding of their career possibilities. Some discovered trades they had never considered, while others gained confidence in their existing career paths.

The collaborative effort between Orange College and Mars Institute staff ensured smooth operations throughout the day, keeping meaningful exchanges between students and industry professionals at the heart of the event. This successful partnership not only strengthened existing industry relationships but also created new ones, laying the foundation for future opportunities that will benefit students for years to come.