Jobs and trades show set to return bigger than ever

Employment and training opportunities in Narrabri Shire will be firmly in the spotlight when the doors open on the Namoi Jobs and Trades Show at the end of next week.

The expo is a collaboration between the Narrabri Industrial Network and Future EDU in conjunction with partnering organisations and businesses.

Shire students will have the first opportunity to see the job and training options available at the morning schools sessions.

Narrabri Industrial Network business development manager Kodey Stanford said school participation was a vital part of the event as one of its primary purposes is to encourage students to seek employment and study in the shire.

“The Namoi Jobs and Trades Show is about shining a light on the locals,” she said.

To encourage local school participation in the event, buses for shire schools will be provided. For smaller schools, organisers have offered to reimburse petrol costs.

Ms Stanford said the provision of transport options was about ensuring maximum student participation in the Namoi Jobs and Trades Show being held next Friday.

Students in Years 5 to 8 will attend the first session, followed by Years 9 to 12 in the second session.

Neighbouring high schools in surrounding shires have been invited to send Year 11 and 12 students to the event. A barbecue will be provided in the earlier sessions by the Lions Club of Narrabri.

“We do want to mainly keep it for opportunities for children in Narrabri Shire,” Ms Stanford said.

Ms Stanford is the lead organiser of the massive event alongside Future EDU’s Trudy Seamark.

Mrs Seamark said Future EDU was excited to continue its partnership with the Narrabri Industrial Network for the annual expo.

The expo will be a chance for the organisation’s new project officer Isobella Revell to be part of the festivities.

Future EDU is now a member of the network and Ms Stanford said STEM is a big part of the organisation’s prospectus.

Future EDU is the conduit of STEM in businesses and local schools.

Busily preparing for next Friday’s expo, the pair has added new elements to this year’s event.

Jobs and trades show booklets will indicate which stallholders have job and apprenticeship opportunities available.

Brief seminars will also be provided by sponsors and Narrabri Industrial Network business to add to the interactive element of the day.

Heavy machinery will again be showcased outdoors and Ms Stanford said they are pleased to see more specialised machinery coming this year. For stallholders, there are also options available this year for premium and standard stalls inside The Crossing Theatre and outside.

This year’s event will also rely on sponsorship and trade site fees.

Last year’s expo received grant support, however, Ms Stanford has been pleased with the support provided by sponsors and Narrabri Industrial Network members to ensure the event’s continued success.

“Our Narrabri Industrial Network members’ businesses will be very present at the expo,” Ms Stanford said.

Santos is the major sponsor alongside partnering businesses Whitehaven Coal, Australian Food and Fibre, GBP Cranes, Best Employment, Job Link Plus and C&W.

Members of the public will be able to visit the expo following the conclusion of the schools’ sessions.

Mature age apprenticeships and traineeships will also be in the spotlight as well as broader job opportunities.

“Anyone who needs a career change or a tree change is welcome to come along,” Mrs Seamark said.

“Bring your resume down and talk to business and industry,” Ms Stanford added.

Local trades have also been encouraged to partner together to secure sites at the expo. Group sites are available.

“In every industry everyone is suffering by not being able to recruit new employees,” Mrs Seamark said.

“We are all struggling to fill our capabilities.

“Pitch in and share a table inside or outside.”

“We would also love to see more retail and services part of this year’s expo,” Ms Stanford said.

This year, the Narrabri Industrial Network’s gala night is being held in conjunction with the jobs and trades show.

The fundraising dinner, this year called the Industry Connect Gala, is being held at the RSL on the Saturday night and will raise funds for the Rotaract Club of Narrabri while allowing businesses to network.

Ms Stanford said this year’s formal gala night would have a focus on the agricultural sector.

The Narrabri Industrial Network’s member businesses will also form a major part of the night.

“Partnering with the trades show, Narrabri Industrial Network is able to show what is available here,” Ms Stanford said.

“Businesses within our network are achieving great things in innovation.”

Ms Stanford said the gala evening was also about giving back to the community, by supporting Rotaract and its programs.

A silent auction will be held on the night and entertainment will be provided by Wait for Green.

Rotaract is currently focused on youth projects, including mentorship and mental health first aid.

Ms Stanford said’s Rotaract’s priorities for Narrabri youth aligned well with Narrabri Industrial Network.