Event co-ordinator Andrew Burke said it was the “hands-on component” that students loved about the day, which saw a number of tradie stalls running practical activities to give kids a better understanding of what each job entailed.

Dubbo College careers advisor Samantha Skinner said more students are seeing the benefits of getting a trade.

“There’s a perception that tradespeople make a lot of money and with the skill shortage kids feel they’ll be highly employable if they get a trade behind them,” Ms Skinner said.

Year 10 student Josh O’Connor wants to work on the land but said the uncertain future of a farmer meant he would be

leaving school at the end of the year to first get a trade up his sleeve.

Josh tried his hand at some electrical and welding work yesterday but said it’s carpentry and mechanical work that interested him most on the day.

Mr Burke said local businesses had the chance to generate some interest in their industry on the day and talk to students about the opportunities that exist in their local area.

“There’s been a move away from trades for a lot of years and now we’re in a skills shortage people see the value of getting kids involved again,” he said.