Modern Technology Connection Logo (6)
23 June 2026

Say Yes to the Trades 2026: Building the Next Generation of Tradies

Modern Technology Connection Logo (6)

In collaboration with the Canterbury Bankstown Chamber of Commerce, and with the support of industry and community partners including Transit Systems and Entertainment Park, Say Yes to the Trades returns in 2026 for another action-packed day focused on helping young people discover where a career in the trades could take them.

More than a traditional careers expo, Say Yes to the Trades 2026 gives high school students the opportunity to experience the trades first-hand, meet the people working in industry and learn about the different pathways available after school.

Event Details
Date: Thursday, 27 August 2026
Time: From 9:00 AM
Location: Entertainment Park, 20/361 Milperra Road, Milperra NSW

Get your tickets on SAY YES TO THE TRADES 2026 Tickets, Thursday, August 27  •  9 AM – 2 PM | Eventbrite

More Than a Careers Expo

Choosing what to do after school can be difficult, particularly when students have had limited opportunities to experience what different careers are actually like.

Say Yes to the Trades is designed to change that.

Students can get involved in practical activities, interact directly with employers and industry professionals, see trade skills in action and better understand what an apprenticeship or hands-on career can offer.

Rather than simply hearing about the trades, students get an opportunity to experience them.

What to Expect

Throughout the day, students can expect:

  • Hands-on activities and interactive trade experiences
  • Live demonstrations and exposure to real tools and equipment
  • Opportunities to speak directly with employers, apprentices and industry professionals
  • Information about apprenticeships, training and career pathways
  • Advice from organisations supporting young people entering the workforce
  • Entertainment and activities throughout the venue

The goal is to create an environment where students can ask questions, explore different options and discover careers they may never have previously considered.

More Trades, More Pathways

The 2026 event continues to grow, giving students exposure to a broader range of practical career opportunities.

This year, key trade areas include:

  • Electrical
  • Air Conditioning & Refrigeration
  • Carpentry
  • Plumbing

These careers play an important role in the homes, businesses and infrastructure Australians rely on every day. They also offer young people the opportunity to develop practical skills, complete nationally recognised training and build careers with opportunities to specialise, progress or eventually operate their own businesses.

Bryan Fletcher Joins Say Yes to the Trades

A major addition to the 2026 event is former professional rugby league player and media personality Bryan Fletcher, who will join students at Entertainment Park on 27 August.

Bryan’s involvement supports an important message behind this year’s event: young people should have a game plan for life.

Sport can teach discipline, teamwork and commitment, but not everyone who loves sport will make it their profession. Having another pathway does not mean giving up on your ambitions — it means understanding the opportunities available and building skills that can create a strong future.

The trades can provide exactly that kind of pathway.

Connecting Students Directly With Industry

One of the strengths of Say Yes to the Trades is the involvement of employers, training organisations and industry partners.

Students are able to speak with people who understand the industry firsthand, ask practical questions about apprenticeships and employment, and gain a clearer picture of what working in a trade actually looks like.

For schools, it provides an opportunity to introduce students to career pathways outside the traditional university route in an environment that is practical, engaging and connected directly with industry.

Say Yes to Your Future

Say Yes to the Trades 2026 is about giving young people more information, more experiences and ultimately more choices.

Whether a student already knows they want to become a tradie or has never considered an apprenticeship before, the event is an opportunity to try something different, meet industry and discover just how far a trade career can take them.

Thursday, 27 August 2026 at Entertainment Park, Milperra.

Come along, have a go and Say Yes to the Trades.

In collaboration with Canterbury Bankstown Chamber of Commerce, proudly supported by Transit Systems and Entertainment Park


We are proud to announce Say Yes To The Trades 2025, an interactive, high-energy event designed to inspire the next generation to explore the real-world opportunities available in skilled trades.

This is not your typical careers fair — it’s an immersive experience where students can see, try, and connect with the industries that build our communities.

Event Details:
Date: Wednesday, 27th August 2025
Time: 9:15 AM – 2:00 PM
Location: Entertainment Park, Bankstown NSW


Why Say Yes To The Trades Matters

Australia’s need for skilled tradespeople has never been greater. With strong job demand across industries like electrical, air conditioning, refrigeration, and metal fabrication, students who start exploring trade careers early are setting themselves up for success.

This event gives students the unique opportunity to experience trades in action, speak directly with industry professionals, and discover pathways they can follow straight from school.


What to Expect

  • Interactive Skill Zones where students can try practical tasks
  • Live Trade Demonstrations showcasing real-world tools and techniques
  • One-on-One Chats with Industry Professionals offering career insights
  • Clear Pathway Information on how to kickstart a trade career
  • Free Arcade Games and Entertainment to make the day unforgettable

Featured Trades

Students will have the chance to explore careers in:

  • Electrical
  • Air Conditioning & Refrigeration
  • Metal Fabrication
  • Plumbing
  • Carpentry

These industries are essential to Australia’s economy and offer hands-on, rewarding careers with strong job security and growth opportunities.

An Opportunity Not to Miss

Say Yes To The Trades 2025 is the perfect event for students curious about practical, high-demand careers. Whether they already have an interest in the trades or are still exploring their options, this event will provide valuable insights and inspiration.

Spots are limited, so schools are encouraged to register early to ensure their students don’t miss out. Get your tickets on SAY YES TO THE TRADES 2026 Tickets, Thursday, August 27  •  9 AM – 2 PM | Eventbrite

Articles you may also like