Rotary Club of Kings Meadows member and Rotary Employment Day organiser Catherine Hughes said the idea behind the event was to help young people get jobs.

“It was based on a program that I read about in a journal article in the United States, where schools in a particular location bussed all their senior students looking for work to a place where there were employers who had jobs,” she said.

“Over the 40 years of this program, it was estimated that thousands of young people got their job that way.”

The Rotary club decided to run a similar program for the youth of Northern Tasmania.

Last year’s inaugural event was focused on helping students in years 11 and 12 gain employment.

This year, the age group had been extended to students in grade 10, and job-seekers aged 18 to 24.

“We think it’s such a great opportunity, connecting young people with people who have current or potential job vacancies,” she said.

“It’s a win-win, really. Employers get to meet some lovely young people, and young people get to meet employers who have jobs.”

Dr Hughes said following last year’s event, about 20 per cent of students who participated gained employment, and hoped this year the number would be higher.

About 175 students registered for the event, alongside 38 employers.

More than 400 job interviews were conducted throughout the day, with one student even offered an apprenticeship on the spot.

“This would not be possible without the support of schools, job-active providers, and employers, so we’re very grateful to all those employers who came onboard and we hope to have even more next year,” Dr Hughes said.

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