Workplace Learning

If a career in early childhood education is something you’re interested in, then our next exhibitor may be of interest to you - Little Peoples Early Learning Centre will be attending the 2026 Illawarra Apprenticeship, Traineeship and Jobs Expo - FREE Public Session!

In operation since 2002, Little Peoples mission is to provide an education that is responsive to children’s interests, learning capabilities and styles, enabling them to grow in confidence as they learn. Educators promote children’s learning by planning and implementing a program that provides opportunities for them to learn through play, intentional teaching, and spontaneous learning experiences. This play-based approach builds on children’s natural motivation to play, and teaches them relevant skills whilst having fun and developing a love of learning.

Come and see the team from Little Peoples next week at the Illawarra Hockey Centre, Unanderra between 2:00pm and 7:00pm

We are pleased to announce that Workforce Australia is an Event Sponsor for the 2026 Illawarra Apprenticeship, Traineeship and Jobs Expo - FREE Public Session!

As Australia's employment services hub, Workforce Australia helps connect job seekers with opportunities, training and support to achieve their career goals. Their commitment to helping people build skills, gain employment and explore career pathways aligns strongly with the purpose of our expo.

Whether someone is looking for their first job, considering an apprenticeship or traineeship, or exploring new career opportunities, Workforce Australia provides valuable tools and support along the way.

Thank you, Workforce Australia, for supporting the 2026 Apprenticeship, Traineeship & Jobs Expo

We're happy to announce that Zeal Futures will be attending the 2026 Illawarra Apprenticeship, Traineeship and Jobs Expo - FREE Public Session as a premium exhibitor!

Zeal Futures provides the ultimate training and employment experience. With apprenticeships and traineeships across a range of industries, including electrical, scaffolding, water operations, mechanical fitting, business, and more – find your path with Zeal Futures.

Come and visit them at the Illawarra Hockey Centre between 2pm and 7pm on September 2 - we can't wait to see you there!

Another premium exhibitor coming on board for the 2026 Illawarra Apprenticeship, Traineeship and Jobs Expo - FREE Public Session is Leussink Engineering, and we're so excited to have them!

Leussink is an Illawarra-based engineering powerhouse boasting over four decades of hands-on expertise. As a second-generation family-owned business, Leussink has provided comprehensive design, fabrication, and machining services across a diverse range of industries for more than 40 years. Rejecting the notion of one-size-fits-all solutions, they are firm believers in modernising and revolutionising workshops and production facilities around Australia.

The Leussink team are looking forward to meeting the next generation of tradespeople and supporting them from day one on their career journey! Come along to the expo and explore your future career options on September 2.

Workplace Learning is grateful to announce that the BlueScope WIN Community Partners Program has sponsored the 2026 Illawarra Apprenticeship, Traineeship and Jobs Expo - FREE Public Session

The BlueScope WIN Community Partners Program sees two iconic businesses in the Illawarra joining forces to create a local community support fund. The partnership is all about making a real difference to the Illawarra community.

BlueScope has been part of the Illawarra’s landscape for over 90 years, since the Hoskins’ family established the Port Kembla Steelworks in 1928 - whilst WIN TV, headquartered in Wollongong, has been an integral part of the Illawarra community since Bruce Gordon purchased the business in the late 1970s.

Thank you to BlueScope and WIN for helping us connect people to their futures!

Join us on Wednesday 2nd of September between 2pm and 7pm at the Illawarra Hockey Centre for the 2026 Illawarra Apprenticeship, Traineeship & Jobs Expo

Our first Premium Exhibitor for the 2026 Illawarra Apprenticeship, Traineeship and Jobs Expo - FREE Public Session is Bamara!

Bamara means helper, friend, companion in Yolngu Language in Arnhem Land. In this spirit, education, employment, support and training have always been fundamental to Bamara and their commitment to helping local communities prosper.

Bamara delivers programs across the Wollongong and Shoalhaven region designed to help people achieve their personal and career goals, including Inclusive Employment Australia, supporting people with disability, injury or health condition into meaningful employment, and Australian Apprenticeship Support Services for First Nations apprentices/trainees and their employers across New South Wales.

Come along to the expo between 2pm and 7pm on Wednesday, September 2nd at the Illawarra Hockey Centre to meet them! Everyone is welcome to attend.

At the end of last month, we had the pleasure of hosting the Shoalhaven Schools Excellence in Vocational Education & Training (VET) Awards 🏆

This event recognises, rewards and promotes the pursuit of excellence by students completing VET subjects as part of their HSC.

Host employers and schools nominate students for these awards. Further, teachers nominate host employers to receive recognition of their valuable contribution to on-the-job training. Student nominees are evaluated by a panel of education and industry experts for their on-the-job achievements and academic excellence.

With thanks to our generous event sponsors:
2026 Excellence in VET Award Sponsors: BlueScope WIN Community Partners Program and Apprenticeship Support Australia.
Gold Sponsors: Nowra Toyota and Sikorsky Australia, A Lockheed Martin Company.
Silver Sponsor: Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong.

Your support is greatly appreciated in celebrating the successes and achievements of young people within the Shoalhaven.

Congratulations once again to all!

The South Coast, Far South Coast, Illawarra and Southern Highlands events are all coming soon. If your organisation would like to sponsor one of these events, please reach out - we'd love to hear from you.

It was an honour to celebrate the achievements in VET with the students of Bomaderry High School. Well done to all!

Well done to the students of Nowra Anglican College - we are proud to be celebrating your achievements in VET!