Students from across the Bay of Plenty will get a hands-on look at their future at the Canvas Tauranga Careers Expo this August.

Held at Mercury Baypark Arena on August 7 and 8, the annual expo features more than 60 exhibitors from tertiary institutions, training providers, and a wide range of local industries — all under one roof.

Organiser and Rotary Club of Tauranga member Sue Boyne said the event offered students and whānau a rare opportunity to explore different career paths in one place.

“We want to help shift students from ‘I don’t know’ to ‘I do know’,” said Boyne. “By bringing in so many passionate people from across sectors, students can connect directly and get a feel for what’s out there.”

The expo is jointly hosted by the Rotary Club and economic development agency Priority One, whose Instep Manager Michelle Clarke said one of the expo’s strengths was its emphasis on employer engagement.

“Talking to someone actually doing the job gives you a clear sense of the work, the skills involved, and whether it feels right for you,” said Clarke.

This year’s Construction Hub will highlight the many careers shaping the region’s booming building industry — from trades and project management to architecture and planning.

“With Tauranga continuing to grow, these jobs are only going to become more important,” Clarke said.

Seb Lemberg, now a mechanical engineering student, credits the expo with helping him find his path.

“I went in Year 13 and the conversations I had helped me decide on engineering. It also helped me land an internship that was crucial for my studies,” said Lemberg.

Students and career changers will also be able to engage with sectors like law, science, media, health, horticulture, Māori business, finance, logistics and more.

Universities and training providers from across Aotearoa will be on hand to offer information, resources and guidance.

The event runs 9am–2pm both days, with an additional evening session from 4–8pm on Thursday, ideal for students to attend with family.

Boyne said: “It’s about giving people the confidence and clarity to make informed choices about their future.”