Michaela Holden with the Department developed and coordinated the program.

"The Industry Visits Day aims to improve transition outcomes for students in the region through connecting student's with external/post school environments."

Students visited a number of workplaces on the day including Cowra Health Services where they got to meet with professionals from various fields.

Clinical Nurse Educator, Marie Peel, from Cowra Health Services believes that the program is a great way to advise students of the range of careers available in regional areas.

"We hope by showcasing the variety of jobs in health we will be able to attract locals into the industry and back in to rural hospitals down the track," she said.

A physiotherapist, X-ray technician, social worker, and family health nurse were available to talk to the students.

These professionals were also joined by medical students who explained the process of working through university to become a medical professional.

Students also went to Cowra Motors and were given the tour and a short talk from the professionals on hand.

Business Manager, Jordan Core, thought the program was worthwhile.

"The students spoke with our apprentice mechanic, Shaun Mortyne, who told them the pros and cons of becoming an apprentice through a dealership."

"Ford has paid for Shaun's TAFE course, which includes an air conditioning course, so that is a benefit," Mr Core said.

The students also spoke with Claire Smith from the NRMA, located at Cowra Motors.

Mrs Smith explained the pre requisites needed for working with the NRMA and the benefits of being with the national company.

Mr Core then took the students into an office to explain to them how finance and sales is an important part of working in a car dealership.

"I spoke to them about what they can do to better increase their chances of being given a car loan in the future," he said.

The last stop of the day was Cowra PCYC, where students were engaged in talks by manager, Shane Budge, and PCYC Police Officer, Janine Robinson.

Mrs Robinson says she would tell any student to join the police force.

"With the police you are doing something different every day," she said.

"It is never dull. You aren't always chasing crims but you are always helping the community."

"There is also a good feeling of camaraderie in the cops, so I think it is a great career option for these young people to be considering."

Students enjoyed the day. Katlin McKay wants to be in the police force, the mounted police to be more precise, but she enjoyed hearing about other vocational opportunities as well.

"Cowra Motors was interesting because it showed that working at a dealership is not all about cars, it is about sales as well," she said.

Businesses involved in the Industry Visits Day were Cowra Health Services, Cowra Shire Council, VERTO, Coles, Cowra PCYC, Cowra Motors, North Cowra Vet, The Department of Primary Industries and the Shire Depot. Ms Holden would like to thank the businesses for their support of the program.

"The local businesses in Cowra are very supportive of our students and their education." she said.

"We are sincerely grateful and thankful for their support of this program as it would not be possible without them. 

"We look forward to inviting these businesses to participate again in next year's Industry Visits Day."