SINGLETON High School student Brittany Champion says attending Coal & Allied’s annual Singleton Professions Forum has given her a “feel for what is out there”.
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She says besides jobs in retail there are limited opportunities in Singleton, so to be exposed to a variety of options was well worth it.
“It was really engaging,” she says.
“The people here really know their stuff,” St Catherine’s College student Sophie Smith adds.
From an occupational therapist and journalist to representatives from the Australian Defence Force, a group of about 130 Singleton secondary students had the chance to engage, and ask questions of, the professionals on hand.
In small intimate groups, the pupils moved from stall-to-stall throughout the day and were exposed to a variety of occupations.
It was held at the Australian Christian College and came together due to the combined efforts of a group of dedicated students and Coal & Allied staff.
Coal & Allied NSW community relations manager Shannon Garcia says representatives and student leaders from Singleton High School, St Catherine’s Catholic College and the Australian Christian College have been working closely with Coal & Allied staff over the past three months to plan the event for their peers.
“We hope it has provided them with the opportunity to develop their skills in teamwork, leadership and time management as they have experienced firsthand what it’s like to be involved in organising a real event,” she said.
“Coal & Allied sees the value in providing our local students with information to make informed decisions about their future and that’s why we are proud to work with the local high schools in Singleton to support the Professions Forum event for the eighth year running.
“We appreciate the time local professionals give in order to provide this networking opportunity for our future business leaders and would like to thank them for their participation.”
Ms Garcia says they would also like to thank the Australian Christian College’s Allan Perry, St Catherine’s Catholic College’s Frauke Sidney and Singleton High School’s Annie Phillips.
“Without their support and dedication this event would not be possible,” she told The Argus.