Touring technology experts outlined future career possibilities during a series of forums across the region.

Westvic Staffing Solutions hosted the information sessions for students from years 7 to 10 this week.

Chief executive of Australian 3D Manufacturing Association (A3DMA), Mike de Souza, said the one-hour sessions were designed to give students knowledge about industry occupational pathways, environmental issues and new and emerging technologies. 

“This is not science fiction, it’s science fact,” he said.

 “Everyone understands that new technology is coming about faster and faster. It’s so quick it makes the mind spin, and education must keep up.

“We have the technology, now we need to work on the kids understanding it and running with it into the future.”

Mr de Souza said he was impressed with how regional schools had embraced technology’s potential.

“In other places, usually cities, they don’t need technological advancement – they think they have everything they need. But in regional areas they are starved of it and often lead the nation in the development of technology,” he said.

“Mass production brought people into the city.

“Now this next industrial revolution is bringing mass customisation and making it individual and accessible everywhere. There’s no need to live in the city.”

Mr de Souza said he accepted his role in the progression of future technologies.

“Technology is prolific and it’s essential that education, governments, industry and community work toward a common goal,” he said.

“If we can get kids starting to think like this, we’ve done our job correctly.”

Westvic Staffing Solutions CEO Dean Luciani said securing Mr de Souza as a speaker was part of a commitment to supporting jobs for the future.

“He’s a very interesting speaker with a national profile and we hope the sessions will give students an energy boost in thinking about career choices and the changing face of jobs,” Mr Luciani said.