Thousands of students from across the Bay of Plenty have been exploring career opportunities at the annual Canvas Careers Expo at Mercury Baypark Stadium this week.

The expo connects young people with employers, training providers and tertiary institutions, a media release said.

Hosted by Rotary Club of Tauranga and Priority One, the two-day event is one of the region’s largest careers expos, bringing together businesses and organisations from a wide range of industries.

Students have been meeting representatives from sectors including engineering, construction, manufacturing, health, horticulture, technology, tourism, finance, science and the trades to learn more about pathways beyond school.

Rotary Club of Tauranga organiser Sue Boyne said the expo was designed to spark conversations and broaden students’ horizons.

“Every stand represents an opportunity for a student to discover something they may never have considered before,” she said.

“We’re seeing young people asking thoughtful questions, making valuable industry connections and gaining a much clearer understanding of the pathways into careers they are genuinely interested in. Those conversations can shape future decisions.”

Students explore career pathways at the Canvas Careers Expo at Mercury Baypark, where businesses, training providers and industry leaders are helping shape future opportunities.

A key feature of this year’s programme is a Parents, Whānau and Students Session being held from 4pm to 8pm today, allowing families to return together and engage in more detailed discussions with exhibitors.

Priority One Instep manager Michelle Clarke said whānau play a vital role in helping young people navigate future career choices.

“By attending today’s Canvas session together, whānau can listen, explore and ask the questions a young person may not yet know to ask,” she says.

“It is not about having all the answers or choosing a career on the night. It is about creating space for curiosity and starting conversations that can continue long after Canvas is over.”

The free expo continues tomorrow from 9am to 2pm, with organisers saying the event helps strengthen connections between education and industry while showcasing employment and training opportunities available throughout the Bay of Plenty and beyond.