General News
26 February, 2026
Head start for students eying their careers
MORE than 1200 students from south west schools will be one step closer to determining the next step towards their future careers next week thanks to the 2026 Warrnambool and District Careers Expo.
Neil Porter Legacy (NPL) will partner with Warrnambool and District Careers Teachers Association to deliver the 2026 South West Careers Expo.
The expo will be held next Tuesday, March 3 at the Warrnambool Greyhound Racing Club, bringing together students, educators, businesses, training organisations and industry leaders from across the south west.
The annual event provides a platform for businesses to connect with potential future employees while helping young people explore the wide range of industry, career and study pathways available to them.
“The South West Careers Expo continues to grow as a cornerstone event for regional career education with lasting workforce influence – strengthening partnerships between schools, industry and the wider community, and helping students make informed, confident decisions about their futures,” said Neil Porter Legacy executive officer Matt Porter said.
The 2026 South West Careers Expo will highlight the diversity of career pathways available in the district and beyond.
From service-based businesses, to trades, government careers, the arts and farming – the expo aims to offer something for every student.
Building on the success of previous years, the 2026 expo promises to be bigger and better with several exciting enhancements.
Among the changes will be a dedicated hands-on trades area with a new interactive zone which will allow trades and vocational businesses to showcase practical, in-demand career pathways.
With a 30 per cent increase in Victorian students undertaking VCE Vocational Major since 2023, the expo presents a valuable opportunity to engage students in hands-on careers – from hairdressing, to electrical, to farming.
ACE Radio will be broadcasting live from the event, further highlighting career opportunities across the south west and celebrating the businesses and organisations investing in the next generation.
To add to the excitement, students attending the expo will have the opportunity to enter a competition with first prize of an iPhone 17 and runner-up AirPods Pro 3, encouraging engagement with exhibitors and deeper exploration of career pathways.
“Our goal is simple – to help students become more aware of the vast range of career options and pathways available which they may not have previously considered and to support them in discovering what types of careers might interest them, suit their strengths, or spark their curiosity,” Mr Porter said.