OELLEN Career Expo 2026: Our Biggest Yet
On Tuesday 26 May, over 2,000 students, teachers, exhibitors and community members came through the doors of Caribbean Gardens in Scoresby for the OELLEN Career Expo 2026 - the largest Expo we've run.
Thank you to everyone who provided feedback on the 2025 Expo, moving the date to earlier in the year, allowed us to host students from younger years who were able to come. Shout out to Mooroolbark College and Ringwood Secondary who brought entire year level cohorts along to explore!
OELLEN Provided Transport
In total, twenty-two schools took part, with students bussed in from as far afield as the neighbouring shire of Cardinia and across the outer east region including Maroondah, Knox and Yarra Ranges. OELLEN coordinated 37 bus runs to get 1,570 students of the attending students to and from the venue, including wheelchair-accessible transport for several schools across the day. The remainder of the students attended arrived via their own methods of transport.
Once inside, students had 49 organisations and 63 exhibitor tables to explore, covering everything from trades and TAFE to higher education, apprenticeships, health and community services. Swinburne University of Technology returned as Principal Sponsor, filling 15 tables with 45 staff from faculties spanning their entire offering - a genuine cornerstone of the day.
The Expo also welcomed 47 general admission visitors during the afternoon session, giving parents and community members the chance to explore career pathways alongside students.
Thank You, Partners
None of this happens without support. Our thanks go to Knox City Council, Yarra Ranges Council, Maroondah City Council, Swinburne University, Workforce Australia (Local Jobs Northeast Region) and the Department of Education. Thank you for backing the event and your hard work preparing for the event and on the day. Thanks to every exhibitor, school, volunteer and food vendor who helped bring it to life.
Planning for next year's Expo is already underway - watch this space.
