Hundreds of job-ready high school students have been given an exciting head start just days before the end of the schooling year.
More than 300 students from 13 City of Logan state high schools were introduced to businesses with current job vacancies at the inaugural Bridge to Business event.
The targeted networking opportunity, at Beenleigh State High School, is an initiative of the Logan Education Round Table, supported by Mayor Darren Power's Local Jobs and Skills Taskforce.
It follows the success of other Taskforce-led employment events including the Tradie and Construction Jobs Expo, which helped 17 people find work in September, and a student bus tour to 15 City of Logan businesses in May.
This financial year, the Taskforce has helped 89 people - including 21 youth - find local employment. It has also helped 43 businesses find staff.
Acting Mayor Natalie Willcocks said the results speak for themselves.
"Council is very proud to be working with local schools and businesses in providing practical solutions to youth unemployment," Cr Willcocks said.
"Events like Bridge to Business are achieving amazing results, simply by linking the right job seekers and employers.
"I cannot wait to see more young people finding their dream jobs, right here in their own backyards."
Economic Development Deputy Chair Councillor Mindy Russell opened today's event.
"It is widely accepted that young people cannot be what they cannot see, so today's event was about making the future visible for our school leavers," Cr Russell said.
"Not only did these students learn more about the career pathways open to them, but they also met the people they might one day work with.
"It was a fantastic introduction to life after high school, that also supported our great local businesses in their search for eager and reliable local employees."
The Bridge to Business event was coordinated in partnership between Council's City Transformation program, the Logan Office of Economic Development and the Enable Coalition of schools.
The Mayor's Local Jobs and Skills Taskforce links businesses and job seekers with employment service providers, as well as training and youth organisations.
