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Hundreds of Coromandel students and school-leavers turned out for the Volunteer and Business Expo held at the Thames War Memorial Civic Centre recently.

Hosted by the Thames-Coromandel District Council, the expo showcased the range of career paths and employment and volunteering opportunities that are available to young people in the region.

Students get hands on with life-saving volunteering options with St John during the Volunteer and Business Expo held recently. Photo: TCDC

Deputy mayor Peter French says council the expo, which was held last week, aimed to change the perception that young people have to leave the region to find employment.

'We also want to highlight the type of work that young people may be able to return to if they do leave the area for study, travel or work.”

The driving force behind the volunteer part of the expo was the Coromandel Youth Collective, The Thames Community House, Volunteer Waikato and council. It was funded by the Ministry of Youth Development.

While the business part of the expo showcased local businesses and was organised by CAN DO - a group of like-minded business people in the community who're focused on business growth and employment.