The biennial event attracts hundreds of high school students from across the Northern Tablelands and is being hosted by Inverell Shire Council with funding from NSW Youth Opportunities program.

In a coup, celebrity key note speaker and Winter Olympic gold medallist Steven Bradbury will address participants with his insights for goal setting and overcoming adversity.

While Bradbury’s speed skating gold medal win is now embedded in Australian sports folklore, his rigorous training schedule of 5 hours a day, 6 days a week for 12 years and tenacity to overcome a broken neck show he was far from an overnight success story.

Mr Bradbury will provide two inspiring presentations throughout the day, outlining his journey from the ice to becoming a highly successful business owner.

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Deputy mayor Anthony Michael says the event provides an opportunity for prospective employers to connect with young people, with hundreds of students from across the Northern Tablelands expected to attend.

“We’re delighted to have Bindaree Beef, Inverell Shire’s largest employer on board for the event and welcome any businesses who would like to attend, particularly Inverell businesses”.

Stall sites for the event are free, with the Varley Oval venue set to provide greater opportunities for businesses to provide demonstrations, promotional materials and pop-up presentations.

Cr Michael indicated the timing of the event is a good fit with a busy annual school calendar.

“Macintyre and Inverell High and Ashford Central schools have been involved in the planning of the event and we have scheduled the date to avoid conflict with HSC exams and also provides time for students to weigh up their options for life after school”.

Cr Michael believes the choices on offer for today’s youth are wide-ranging and says this will be reflected in the exhibitors participating in the expo.

“It’s about showcasing the choices that are on offer for young people. That includes employment, apprenticeships, tertiary education, volunteering and gap year opportunities”.

“The growth of employers such as BOSS Engineering and the renewable energy sector mean there’s an increasing array of options for young people to stay in rural areas and forge a rewarding career”.

“Just twelve months ago, Inverell’s Courtney Harrison – a light vehicle technician, was named NSW Apprentice of the Year for and was runner-up in the Australian Apprentice of the Year Awards”.

Cr Michael says Council is also eager to hear from businesses in the construction industry, who employ a large number of young people learning a trade.

“Inverell Shire boasts more than 60 licensed builders alone and many of these businesses invest a lot of time and money in training the new generation of tradies”.