Sydney primary students given peek into their future careers

Cabramatta Library wasn't so much lending books to the students of years five and six at Canley Heights Public today, but rather ideas.

Ideas about what they can do with the rest of their lives.

The expo-ette, featuring a gaggle of interactive stalls including early childhood education, hospitality, hair and beauty, primary industries, and even that occasionally lowly regarded trade of journalism, would be staged by the not-for-profit youth service South West Connect, giving an insight into the work a day world of adults for the 10 and 11-year-olds.

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"When they go to high school, they have so many other influences," says expo creator Ampha Mammone, "but when they're in primary school, they are actually open to dreaming of all possibilities."

Such is year six student Rose Luong, who was observing keenly at the construction stand, as fellow students took the opportunity to lay tiles on cardboard squares.

"What sort of building do you want to do?" I ask Rose. "Maybe interior design," she thoughtfully muses.

"Well, you've got some lovely shades of blue in your tiles here," I say. Rose nods in agreement as she studies her work.

Over at the design stand, year five student Jeremie Bolongo is carefully crafting a logo.

"I'm thinking of becoming an artist," says Jeremie, who then pauses, and adds, "and a movie star." 

"We're not asking them to choose a job or a career," says Ampha, "we're just asking them to look at the different skills that will help them be successful in life."

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Teacher Vivian Phuong is having her arm bound with bandages as student Ofa Ma'u practises some of the skills required to be a paramedic.

"So then they're going into high school, thinking already about what they're already interested in," says Ampha.

It's also a chance to work out what you don't want to do.

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I found year sixer Sarah Mansour watching the farming demonstration.

"I don't know, I might want to be a dentist," she says.

"A dentist?" I cry, "did you see the dentists round the corner there? Were you inspired?"

"I was very inspired," says Sarah confidently.

And back at hair and beauty, I would bump into Jeremie again, the budding graphic designer/movie star.

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This time, he is coating the ends of his fingers in an aqua polish. Maybe the role of nail technician was calling.

Jeremie set me straight.

"In a person's life, you can have up to 17 jobs and five careers," he tells me.

"Well, that means you can squeeze in being an artist and a movie star at least, that's two of the 17," I respond.

"Yep!" he agrees happily.