The Western Victorian Careers Expo, hosted by the Wimmera and Southern Mallee Careers Association (WASM), is country Victoria’s largest careers expo. Since its inception in 1986, this premier regional event has provided a one-stop-shop of vocational information to Western Victorian students, school leavers, job seekers, career changers, those returning to work and people considering further study or training.
The 2026 Western Victorian Careers Expo, proudly hosted by the Wimmera and Southern Mallee Careers Association (WASMCA), marks a significant milestone 40 years of empowering futures across Western Victoria. Since its inception in 1986, this flagship regional event has grown to become country Victoria’s largest careers expo, providing a vital one‑stop hub for vocational information, pathway exploration, and connections that shape brighter futures. For four decades, the Expo has supported students, school leavers, job seekers, career changers, those returning to the workforce, and individuals considering further study or training. As we celebrate this milestone year, we continue our commitment to delivering an engaging, accessible, and comprehensive event that showcases the very best of local, regional, metropolitan, and interstate education and employment opportunities.
Each year, the Expo attracts over 2,000 attendees, including students, parents, educators, jobseekers, and career changers from across Western Victoria. Attendees have the opportunity to engage one‑on‑one with a broad range of career, industry, and course advisors, including representatives from more than 20 Victorian and South Australian universities, registered training organisations, employers, industry groups, and community organisations.
The Expo features a dynamic mix of interactive, informative, and hands‑on experiences, including:
- Career and Course Exhibitor Displays
- Manufacturer and Trade Interactive Activities – “Try a Trade”
NEW: Try VET Centre
- Replacing the former Try VET Day
- Hosted in the Alan Heard Pavilion
- Featuring displays and hands‑on activities from the three local RTOs
- Opportunities to meet trainers and explore VET pathways
NEW: Industrial Zone – Large Machinery & Equipment
- Civil construction vehicles provided by Horsham Rural City Council
- Farm machinery showcased by O’Connor’s
- Vocational Information Session (VIS)
- Tertiary Information Session (TIS)
(See event map for session times)
These elements combine to offer a comprehensive exploration of pathways, careers, vocational options, skill development, and industry insights.
Aims of the Expo
The Western Victorian Careers Expo is committed to:
- Providing regional students and jobseekers with a broad range of vocational, training, and course information in a single, accessible local event
- Showcasing a diverse spectrum of career and job role models, particularly for those in isolated or rural communities
- Offering current and accurate advice on qualifications, prerequisites, training options, business prospects, and vocational opportunities
- Encouraging students to explore broader pathway options aligned with their skills and interests
- Supporting school retention to Year 12 or equivalent
- Assisting parents and guardians to understand career, study, and training pathways
- Bringing presenters together under a coordinated Wimmera–Southern Mallee Careers banner to deliver a high‑quality regional careers event
We look forward to welcoming you to the 2026 Western Victorian Careers Expo as we proudly celebrate 40 years of inspiring futures across our region.
See you at the Expo!