Indigenous employment is set for a boost in 2013, after the federal government announced plans to hold a series of career expos in Queensland.
The annual Former Origin Greats (FOGS) Indigenous Employment and Careers Expos will travel around the state over the next 11 months, with hundreds of exhibitors expected to take part in the campaign.
Each year, the expos assist young Indigenous Queenslanders into career pathways, training and employment placements, while also helping to build their motivation and aspirations.
School leavers and job seekers are given the opportunity to talk with industry and education experts about the different options available in a wide range of professions – such as hospitality, tourism, building and construction, mining, police and the defence forces.
The expos, which are also attended by a number of former State of Origin players, will visit seven locations in 2013, including Cairns, the Sunshine Coast, Mount Isa, Townsville, Rockhampton, Toowoomba and Brisbane.
Speaking about last year’s campaign, federal minister for Indigenous employment and economic development Julie Collins said 16,600 job seekers attended exhibitions around the state.
The minister went on to say that more than 1,000 of those attendees have already “gained or are in the process of gaining employment or training positions”.
