Futures were ignited at Holy Spirit Catholic College as the NSW Premier Chris Minns joined Year 10–12 students for the College's flagship Careers Enrichment Day: Igniting Paths, Empowering Futures.
The event brought together more than 60 exhibitors representing universities, TAFE, apprenticeships, local businesses, government agencies and industry organisations, alongside the Minister for Industrial Relations, Sophie Cotsis.
Mr Minns, himself a Sydney Catholic Schools alumna, spoke to Year 12 students about resilience, opportunity and the importance of effort.
"The decisions you make now can shape your future, but they don't define the limits of what you can become. Approach your exams with confidence, back your ability, and trust that hard work and persistence will carry you further than you expect," the Premier said.
He also encouraged students to use the Expo as a space for exploration and discovery.
"This is a fantastic opportunity to speak to a number of stalls, spark an idea, and maybe that's where you can see yourself in five years' time," he said.
Students rotated through immersive workshops, participating in sessions on mental health and resilience, university entry pathways, opportunities for Sydney Catholic Schools teaching scholarships and alumni-led discussions focused on identity, values and future decision-making.
The program also featured TED Talk-style presentations by Crazy Ideas College, a social enterprise that encourages students to think critically about identity, wellbeing and future aspirations.
Principal Kevin Griffiths said the day was a powerful reminder of what happens when you bring education and industry together.
"Our students are not just hearing about pathways, they are speaking directly with the people living them. That exposure is invaluable in helping them understand what is possible," he said.
