Careers education begins early at St James College, and the 2025 Future Careers Expo is proof. The annual event gave every student from Year 5 to Year 12 the chance to explore a wide range of careers, engage with industry professionals, and begin building the skills that will shape their future.

With more than 40 exhibitors across industries including health, trades, aviation, creative arts, defence, sport, retail and higher education, the expo showcased the college’s strong industry connections. The college welcomed representatives from nine universities, TAFE Queensland, East Coast Apprenticeships, the Broncos Academy, Brisbane Bullets, the Australian Defence Force, and Airways Aviation just to name a few. Students spoke directly with industry professionals, asked meaningful questions, and explored how their interests could align with real-world pathways.

Importantly, this is not just a one-day glimpse into future careers. The expo is part of the college’s ongoing commitment to helping students discover their passions early and develop the confidence and capabilities they need to pursue them. For younger students, it’s a chance to start thinking big. For senior students, it supports key decisions such as their Senior Education Training SET Plans and Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre applications.

Director of Careers, Skills, Partnerships and Pathways, Tony Ninasivinche, led the event, preparing students and staff with discussion prompts and reflection activities to help turn industry conversations into valuable life skills. Students were coached on how to introduce themselves, ask the right questions and engage professionally, life skills that will serve them well beyond the classroom. 

Year 10 student Isaac Weston said he liked being able to see several options at once. 

"I liked being able to see lots of different options in one place."

"I also got the chance to ask about IT pathways, which I'm considering as my backup plan," Weston said. 

Behind the scenes, the event also offered a unique learning opportunity for the college’s school-based trainee, Year 11 student Esther Silao, who helped coordinate the day. From communicating with exhibitors to managing logistics, Esther gained practical experience in business and event management, another example of how St James College empowers students through hands-on learning.

Assistant Principal Kristina Johnson said the college’s Careers Expo provides an opportunity for students from Years 5 to 12 to connect their learning with their future. 

“The college is proud to provide students with every opportunity to connect their learning with meaningful futures.”

"Careers education begins in Year 5 at St James College, which is part of a whole-school approach to impactful learning for life," Ms Johnson added.

The event continues to grow with the 2025 event being the biggest to date with the highest exhibitor and student numbers ever. Planning is already underway for the 2026 event.

List of Exhibitors
Active Queenslanders Industry Alliance
AFL Lions
Airways Aviation
Ambulance
Apprenticeships QLD
AUG Brisbane
AUS Trade Training College
Australian Defence Force
Australian Vocational Academy
Brisbane Bullets Institute
Broncos Academy
BUNAC Summer Camps
BUSY at work
CheckUP/Health Gateway
Connect ‘n’ Grow
Cricket QLD
Crimson Global Academy
East Coast Apprenticeships
HIA
Hotel Schools
Iron Tracks - Female Mentoring
Jigsaw Australia
K Mart
Link and Launch
MEGT
Property Training
QAT
QSFT Film and TV
QUT Sports Van
Tactile Learning
TAFE QLD
Target
The French Beauty Academy
QUT
Griffith
UniSQ
USC
ACU
Torrens University
QUT
UQ
CQUniversity