29 May 2025
THAT’S A WRAP: GOLD COAST CAREERS FEST 2025
INSPIRING THE NEXT GENERATION
Earlier this month, the Gold Coast Sports & Leisure Centre came alive as nearly 10,000 students, job seekers parents, and educators gathered for the 2025 Gold Coast Careers Festival.
From the moment the doors opened, the atmosphere was electric with visitors navigating through over 60 exhibitors, engaging with universities, training providers, employers, and industry leaders.
Every attendee - regardless of age, ability, or background - was encouraged to explore without limits. The event empowered students to see beyond the traditional and imagine bold, exciting futures in emerging industries, trades, creative sectors, and beyond.
More than just a careers expo, the festival became a space where ambition was ignited. Through discussions at our Careers Zone, we know that many attendees left feeling more confident, motivated, and equipped to take their next steps - whether into further study, training, or the workforce.
Educators and parents also praised the festival’s real-world relevance, saying it helped bridge the gap between classroom learning and future opportunities.
The Gold Coast Careers Festival continues to grow as one of the region’s most important events to nurture and retain talent.
AFTER DARK 2025: AN EVENING OF PROFESSIONAL GROWTH AND CONNECTION
The Gold Coast Careers Festival 2025 presented AFTER DARK with the event proving to be an inspiring and impactful evening tailored for students, job seekers, employers, and entrepreneurs. Designed to support career development and industry connection, the event created a dynamic environment for attendees to explore new opportunities and take tangible steps towards their professional goals. Attendees also benefited from personalised, one-on-one career consultations, offering tailored guidance to help navigate their next career move with confidence.
The event facilitated meaningful connections between participants and a wide range of employers, education providers, and industry leaders, opening doors to future employment and collaboration. Guests took advantage of complimentary professional headshots to enhance their digital profiles and job applications. Adding to the excitement, two attendees were awarded a $3,000 shopping spree at Harbour Town Premium Outlets, complete with a personal stylist.
AFTER DARK was a wonderful celebration of ambition, professional development, and the power of connection.
GOLD COAST STUDENT HUB HOSTS ASEAN DELEGATION FOR GREEN SKILLS IN TVET PROGRAM
We were proud to welcome a distinguished group of 25 ASEAN professionals to the Gold Coast Student Hub as part of the Green Skills in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Short Course Program, coordinated by Griffith University and Australia Awards.
The delegation, composed of leaders from the TVET sectors across Southeast Asia, engaged in vibrant discussions on workforce development, industry pathways, and sustainable practices.
The Student Hub offered an ideal setting to highlight the Gold Coast’s dynamic education ecosystem and its strong integration with industry. Their visit reinforced the Gold Coast’s reputation as a forward-thinking city committed to global partnerships and green workforce solutions.
As we continue to strengthen our ties with our ASEAN neighbours, we look forward to the new opportunities this collaboration will create for students, educators, and local employers alike.
LABOR'S RE-ELECTION: KEY IMPACTS ON INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION IN AUSTRALIA
On 3 May 2025, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and the Labor Party were re-elected, introducing key updates that could significantly impact the international education sector.
For schools and agencies supporting international students, Labor’s policies present both opportunities and challenges. While many of Labor’s education policies focus on domestic students, such as a 20% reduction in student debt and an increased income threshold for loan repayments, they reflect a broader effort to enhance affordability and access across the education system.
To ease the rising cost of living, the government will provide a $150 energy rebate, tax cuts, and continue to protect penalty rates for casual workers, measures that may benefit international students working part-time. A key update for the sector is Labor’s plan to increase student visa fees from $1,600 to $2,000, a change that would be a further blow to our reputation as a welcoming destination for international students.
Experience Gold Coast is committed to ongoing advocacy efforts to support a competitive and sustainable policy environment for international education.
EXPERIENCE GOLD COAST WELCOMES JAPANESE STUDY TOUR LEADERS
On May 12, our Education team proudly hosted the STA Travel Japan and Qantas Workshop at Mantra Legends in Surfers Paradise. This event brought together leading education providers and representatives from Japan’s study tour market for a day of insightful discussions and networking.
The workshop featured 1:1 meetings between local colleges and Japanese education professionals, focusing on short-term English language programs and campus tours designed to attract students to the Gold Coast.
Participating institutions included AICOL, Australian Homestay Network, Browns English Language School, Greenwich College, Griffith English Language Institute, Imagine Education Australia, Inforum Education, Langports, Shafston International College, and TAFE Queensland.
Representatives shared strategies to strengthen partnerships and expand opportunities for Japanese students seeking enriching study experiences in on the Gold Coast. This collaboration highlights the Gold Coast’s commitment to fostering international education connections and promoting the region as a premier destination for global learners.
APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN: PREMIER OF QUEENSLAND’S EXPORT AWARDS
Applications are now open for Queensland’s highest export honour, the Premier of Queensland’s Export Awards.
These prestigious awards celebrate the innovation, creativity, passion, and determination of businesses that export across 15 diverse categories including International Education and Training.
Winning or being shortlisted in these awards can significantly elevate your business’s reputation both nationally and internationally. This recognition opens doors to new markets and helps forge valuable connections with fellow exporters, industry leaders, government representatives, and key stakeholders who can support your growth.
The awards welcome businesses of all sizes from every region across Queensland, with categories designed to suit a wide range of exporters.
Key dates to keep in mind include applications opened on Tuesday, 29 April, and are closing on Friday, 13 June.
Don’t miss this exceptional opportunity to showcase your business and join Queensland’s vibrant export community.
EVENTS FOR CULINARY STUDENTS: MARCO PIERRE WHITE COMES TO HOTA
Experience Gold Coast is bringing the legendary chef Marco Pierre White to HOTA, Home of the Arts this June for a series of po-up events. As part of his visit, we are proud to present two exclusive events offering amazing opportunities for culinary students to learn, share, and be inspired by one of the greatest chefs in the world.
The first event is Masterclass with Marco Pierre White where Marco will take the stage to showcase his culinary mastery. Attendees will gain firsthand insight into modern British gastronomy in a relaxed, informal setting. Marco will share the dishes he loves to cook at home, along with valuable restaurant tips, techniques, and tricks that have made him a true icon in the culinary world.
The second event, In Conversation with Marco Pierre White, offers an intimate theatre Q&A session. Joined by Executive Chef Dayan Hartill-Law, Marco will reflect on his extraordinary career - from his time with Pierre Koffman, Le Gavroche, and Le Manoir, to becoming the youngest chef ever to earn three Michelin stars and his decision to return them. He will also discuss the vibrant and growing food scene here on the Gold Coast.
These pop-up events provide a unique chance for students to engage directly with a culinary legend and deepen their passion for gastronomy. Seats are limited and demand is high - don’t miss out.
SHOWCASING THE GOLD COAST STUDENT EXPERIENCE TO INTERNATIONAL REGIONAL MANAGERS
Earlier this month, we had the pleasure of welcoming Bond University’s International regional team to the Gold Coast Student Hub.
The visit provided a valuable opportunity to showcase the broad range of student support services delivered through our Student Experience and Wellbeing team - including counselling, employability programs, wellbeing initiatives, and student engagement activities. It also offered an introduction to Experience Gold Coast’s city-wide approach to enhancing the student experience through tourism, events, education, and culture.
We explored upcoming events like Blues on Broadbeach, Cooly Rocks On, and the Pacific Airshow Gold Coast, all of which highlight the Gold Coast’s vibrancy and create unique opportunities to connect students with the wider community.
The Bond team also received a walkthrough of our Agent Toolkit, which features marketing assets and student stories available to help promote the Gold Coast as Australia’s Favourite Classroom.
NEW STUDENT HUB WORKSHOPS TO SUPPORT CAREER AND LIFE SUCCESS
We are proud to launch a new series of educational workshops at the Gold Coast Student Hub, created to boost student confidence, career readiness, and life skills in Australia.
Led by our experienced Student Support Officer, these interactive sessions are tailored to support both local and international students as they navigate life beyond the classroom.
The workshops include:
- Interview Like a Pro designed to helps students develop the confidence and techniques needed to succeed in interviews.
- Tax Tips and Tricks will demystify tax time, offering relevant advice to help students meet their obligations and even maximise their returns.
- Understanding the Australian Workforce will provide key insights into workplace culture, employee rights, and professional expectations in Australia.
These workshops not only offer valuable information but also foster a supportive space for students to ask questions and grow. It's part of our ongoing commitment to helping students thrive both personally and professionally.
Students can check Student Hub calendar for session dates and registration details. Spaces are limited, so early sign-up is encouraged.
MOTHER`S DAY AT THE STUDENT HUB
Mother’s Day at the Gold Coast Student Hub was a heartfelt celebration of creativity, community, and connection. Students from all backgrounds gathered to honour the special women in their lives, filling the space with colour and joy.
The highlight of the day was our card-making station, where students got hands-on crafting unique, handmade cards. It was a moment to pause, reflect, and express appreciation in a truly personal way. Laughter and conversation filled the air as students shared stories and designs with one another.
For our international students, the event held even deeper meaning. After carefully creating their cards, many took photos or recorded touching video messages to send home. It was a small gesture that crossed borders and brought families closer together even from thousands of kilometres away.
To top it all off, everyone came together over a warm and welcoming afternoon tea. Delicious treats and great company made for the perfect ending to a day that reminded us of the importance of love, gratitude, and staying connected, wherever home may be.
VIEW THE 15 MAY 2025 EDUCATION UPDATE
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY
Experience Gold Coast acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we are situated, the Kombumerri families of the Yugambeh Language Region.
We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging, and recognise their continuing connections to the lands, waters and their extended communities throughout Southeast Queensland.