Central Coast Council’s biggest youth employment forum ‘Thinking Out Loud: Youth Employment’ will be held on Wednesday 29 May at Erina Fair.

Council’s Connected Communities Director Julie Vaughan said up to 200 young people aged 12 to 24 are invited to attend talks, panels and discussions on employment pathways.

“Council’s (Y4Y) Youth for Youth Action Team will connect young people at the forum, where there will be talks by inspirational entrepreneurs and industry experts,” Ms Vaughan said.

“Anyone aged from 12 to 24, who is thinking about what’s possible for their career, can register online for the forum now.

“Speakers include television personality and influencer Andrew Papadopoulos, and Take 3 for the Sea’s Amanda Marechal, both of whom live on the Coast and make a living doing what they love.”

Council Mayor Jane Smith said the forum provided a great opportunity for young people on the Coast to connect with experts and get the advice they need to succeed in their chosen fields.

“We are committed to providing more employment opportunities for our young people and connecting them with career advice is a great place to start,” Mayor Smith said.

“It is also wonderful that our own local entrepreneur Andrew Papadopoulos is leading by example, speaking on taking action for success, and sharing the power of choice with other young people.”

Keynote speaker Andrew, star of ESPN’s Search4Hurt and owner of Battle Fit Australia, will also talk about his personal story and harnessing social media.

The forum includes a panel discussion on creative industry pathways and Q&A session with local arts entrepreneurs from The Grove Studios and Musicians Making a Difference (MMAD).

There will be industry experts and information on traineeships, apprenticeships and volunteering, starting a business, apprenticeships, scholarships, gaming employment pathways, mental wellbeing and how to land a job.

This forum is more relevant than ever as the Central Coast youth unemployment rate is at 12 per cent, according to the Labour Market Information Portal (LMIP March 2019).

‘Thinking Out Loud: Youth Employment’ forum is between 8.30am and 2.15pm on Wednesday 29 May, at The Hub Erina, Youth Entertainment Venue, Erina Fair.

Register now at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/youthforum