CareerQuip
What is CareerQuip?
CareerQuip is the Mid Coast's premier one-day careers expo, designed to connect students, job seekers, and community members with employers, training providers, and career advisors. Hosted by TUC, the event offers practical pathways and resources for careers in skills shortage areas across the region.
Purpose & Goals
The goals if CareerQuip are to:
Empower the Community: Make education, training, and job opportunities accessible close to home.
Spark Ambition: Inspire local residents to explore diverse futures without needing to leave the Mid Coast.
Bridge the Gap: Connect school students with potential mentors and future pathways, while helping job seekers meet employers offering practical support.
Celebrate Local Potential: Showcase the wealth of opportunities available within the region, reinforcing the mission that "you can go further—without going far from home."
Status & Funding
CareerQuip is now a much-anticipated annual careers event for the Mid Coast education community. Originally conceptualised by local careers advisors — led by Glen Bowman — the event has evolved into a self-sustaining annual fixture driven by exhibitor registrations, sponsorships and community partnerships.
Delivery & Timeline
CareerQuip has grown from an inaugural event into a significant regional milestone:
28 July 2022: The inaugural event launched as a response to pandemic-era restrictions, moving beyond the school environment to become a community-focused expo at Fotheringham Park and the TUC Building at 2 Pulteney Street. It welcomed over 2,000 attendees with 90 exhibitors.
27 July 2023: Held at the Manning River Rowing Club, the event continued its collaborative spirit with 1,660 registered students and over 60 exhibitors, supported by sponsors Training Services NSW (RIEP), Mid Coast Connect and TAFE NSW.
August 2024: The expo took place at TUC's permanent location along the Manning River, welcoming approximately 1,800 students and over 70 exhibitors. This event was described as the largest careers expo on the Mid Coast NSW at that time.
31 July 2025: In a testament to community resilience following the May 2025 floods, the event relocated to the TAFE Taree Campus. Despite last-minute weather challenges requiring stalls to be moved undercover, the expo successfully attracted over 1,200 students from 23 learning institutes and 65 exhibitors.
CareerQuip is delivered as a vibrant, interactive, all-day event (typically 8am – 4pm) featuring:
Diverse Exhibitors: A mix of universities, TAFE colleges, private vocational institutions, government agencies (e.g., Australian Defence Force, NSW Police, Mid Coast Council), and local businesses addressing skills shortages.
Interactive Engagement: From static booths to hands-on activities, displays and one-on-one discussions to make future possibilities tangible.
Cultural Welcome: Events traditionally open with a Welcome to Country and performances by local Biripi school dancers, grounding the event in respect and community pride.
Student Integration: Students often contribute to the event itself through hospitality services, volunteer event management and musical performances.
Project Milestones:
Intended Audience
While originally focused on high school students, CareerQuip has broadened its scope to serve the entire Mid Coast community:
School Students: Primarily Year 10–12 students exploring post-school pathways, though the event engages students from as young as Year 7 and as far away as Port Macquarie, Kempsey and Bulahdelah.
Job Seekers & Career Changers: Adults looking to upskill, reskill, or find new employment opportunities in local industries.
Parents & Families: Those supporting their children's educational journey or seeking clarity on local opportunities.
Local Businesses: Employers looking to fill skills gaps and recruit local talent.
Community Members: General public interested in the region's development and workforce opportunities.
Partners & Collaborators
CareerQuip relies on a robust network of collaboration to remain self-sustaining:
Lead: Taree Universities Campus (TUC).
Key Partners:
TAFE NSW: Provided venue support in 2025 and continues as a major exhibitor and sponsor.
Mid Coast Connect: Consistent strategic partner and sponsor.
Regional Industry Education Partnerships (RIEP): Key supporter bridging education and industry.
Educational Institutions: UNE Taree, Australian National University, University of Newcastle, and various local high schools.
Community Organisations: Rotary Club of Taree on Manning, Lions clubs, Office of Regional Youth.
Sponsors:
Major Sponsors: University of New England (UNE) became the first major sponsor in 2025; continued support from JR Richards & Sons, Men and Women at Work, Insure More @, MaxFM.
Metrics for Success
The TUC team actively surveys both exhibitors and attendees (students) pre- and post-event. These surveys are designed to measure expectations against outcomes, as well as track the career aspirations of the students year-on-year.
