Dubbo has hosted its first Try a Trade Day, bringing together industry, employers, training providers and more than 500 students for an interactive look at in-demand careers across the Central West and Orana regions.

The event, held at Dubbo College Senior Campus, was a collaboration between Dubbo College and the NSW Department of Education’s Regional Industry Education Partnerships (RIEP) program.

Designed for Years 9–11, the initiative gave students the chance to explore a wide range of trades and career pathways in a single “one-stop shop.”

Students from Dubbo College’s Delroy, South and Senior campuses attended, along with groups from Gilgandra High School, Coonamble High School, Trangie Central School, Coolah Central School and others from across the region.

Try a Trade brought industry directly to young people, featuring hands-on demonstrations, large-scale machinery and interactive activities run by employers from renewable energy, construction and housing, mining, advanced manufacturing, early childhood services and health.

Several local businesses and registered training organisations said the day provided a valuable chance to connect with students and highlight real job opportunities available locally.

Mechanics is just one trade that students learned about at Try a Trade Day.

Dubbo Regional Council was among the exhibitors, speaking with students about the trade roles, apprenticeships and long-term career benefits the organisation offers.

For many students, the event was their first direct experience with trade-based work—an opportunity organisers say is crucial as the region faces a growing demand for skilled workers across infrastructure, energy, manufacturing, health and community services.

The initiative forms part of a broader push to link young people with local employment pathways and ensure schools and industry are working together to build a future-ready workforce.

Students from Trangie Central School said the experience broadened their understanding of what is possible after school.

“It was a good experience to be a part of and to be able to gain knowledge about different trades,” one student said.

Another added, “It was very packed, but also fun and informative.”

Others praised the exhibitors’ enthusiasm:

“It was good, great, and fun.

"Learned a lot.

"People were super nice, very involved with students, and willing to explain what their stall was about.”

One student summed it up simply: “I really enjoyed the many hands-on activities.”

Organisers say the success of Dubbo’s inaugural Try a Trade Day highlights the value of connecting students directly with employers—and signals a strong future for the event in years to come.