CareerQuip 2026 Returns For Its Fifth Consecutive Year
On Thursday 30 July, Taree Universities Campus welcomed back the Mid Coast's most promising young talent for CareerQuip 2026 — another highly successful edition of our region's flagship career and education expo.
The TAFE Taree Campus venue played host to approximately 1,200 students across the day, with participants arriving from 23 schools and training centres throughout the Mid Coast region. Many made the journey from further out, including Port Macquarie, Kempsey, and Bulahdelah, all eager to explore what's available locally in terms of study and career pathways.
More than 75 exhibitors showcased the full spectrum of opportunities on offer. University stands featured prominent institutions such as UNE, Sydney, UNSW, UTS, Newcastle, Tasmania, Macquarie, Charles Sturt, ANU, Bond, and Southern Cross. Alongside them, TAFE NSW presented a broad selection of courses spanning agriculture, animal sciences, renewable energy, engineering, health, and many more vocational areas. Regional employers and community services also took centre stage, with Manning Base Hospital, Essential Energy, MidCoast Council, Army Reserve, Aruma Disability Services, Engineers Australia, Dairy Australia, and numerous other local organisations demonstrating just how much opportunity exists within reach.
Exhibitors reported excellent engagement throughout the day. Students asked informed questions, showed genuine curiosity about local prospects, and made meaningful connections with representatives who can help shape their futures. This level of interest reflects how CareerQuip has evolved into a cornerstone event — a must-attend destination where education providers, employers, and the next generation of regional leaders connect.
Thank you also to every school, exhibitor, sponsor, volunteer, and attendee who made CareerQuip 2026 a resounding success. This event embodies what happens when we invest in each other: the Mid Coast's future looks bright, and everyone truly can go further, close to home.
A huge thanks to our key sponsors:
TAFE NSW
Mid Coast Connect
Regional Industry Education Partnerships
We also enjoyed enormous support from:
Max FM
JR Richards
Insure More@
Men and Women at Work
As well as all our participating exhibitors
About CareerQuip
CareerQuip is the Mid Coast's annual careers expo, held each year in Taree to connect students with education and employment opportunities close to home. We bring together universities, TAFE, government services, and local employers, giving Mid Coast students direct access to the people who can help shape their futures. From university degrees to vocational courses and regional careers, CareerQuip puts these pathways within reach.
Our goal is simple: show young people that fulfilling careers exist within their own region. Through face-to-face connections with exhibitors, students make informed decisions about their futures while strengthening the community network that supports them.
