SuniTAFE’s Skills and Jobs Centre and the Murray Mallee LLEN (MMLLEN) teamed up to deliver a career aspirations day for more than 150 primary school students at the Swan Hill campus last month.  

Titled ‘Big Dreams, Bright Futures’ Day, the event was designed to show the grade 5 and 6 students who had completed the MMLLEN’s Aspire Program in 2025 what their future could look like. 

Throughout the day, the students rotated through a series of activities to learn about key SuniTAFE learning areas including engineering and electrotechnology, community services, healthcare, and AgTech.  

The students were also able to chat to 11 industry exhibitors who spoke about the kinds of jobs that are available locally.  

For MMLLEN Specialist Project Worker Fiona Mertz, the Aspirations event was about helping children see what is possible.  

“Our goal was to open young people’s eyes to the range of opportunities out there,” Fiona said.  

“It wasn’t necessarily about pinpointing a specific career, but rather getting them excited for the future and encouraging them to try things they may not have considered. 

“Research shows that children can start narrowing career choices as early as upper primary school, often due to limited exposure and regional isolation. 

“By introducing them to a variety of careers, we aim to inspire and encourage them to keep their options open at this early stage.” 

SuniTAFE Skills and Jobs Centre Manager Karen Chynoweth worked closely with MMLLEN to organise the event, and she was happy to see so many young faces at the Swan Hill campus to learn about what is available locally.  

“I hope it sparks their imagination and gets them thinking about the possibilities ahead,” Karen said.  

“While the event was originally designed for grade 5 and 6 students, we were thrilled to welcome some year 7 students as well. It’s vital to start planting the seeds of opportunity early, because you can’t be what you can’t see. 

“By engaging students at this age, we’re not just offering a fun day out, we’re creating lasting impressions.  

“In a few years, when they return with their secondary school, they’ll remember being here, exploring careers and opportunities, as well as imagining their future. That memory could be the spark that guides their choices.” 

“It’s never too early to start.” 

SuniTAFE would like to thank Murray Mallee LLEN and the Skills and Jobs Centre for facilitating this event for the Swan Hill community, as well as the industry partners and schools who volunteered to participate. 
 
SuniTAFE has many graduates and current students who exemplify what is possible with a local education. One such example is Gabrielle Davis, a nursing student who has found her passion in the nursing labs at the Swan Hill campus. Read Gabrielle’s story here.