CAIRNS Regional Jobs Committee

RJC's work with industry to identify workforce challenges and skills shortages and plan for our future workforce.

From the Chair

Snapshot

Overview: Cairns' employment grew modestly over the year to July 2025, with 1,400 more people employed, while unemployment fell slightly to 7.0%. The region’s top employing industries remain Health Care and Social Assistance (20.7%) and Accommodation and Food Services (8.2%). Job seeker income support recipients dropped 5.2% over the year, though Cairns still has a higher rate (9.0%) compared to Queensland (6.1%). Online job ads fell 1.5% over the year, with the most demand in roles like general clerks and sales assistants. LGAs with the highest unemployment include Yarrabah (46.2%) and Mareeba (8.5%).

Upcoming Events

With the exception of our First Nations peoples, we are all migrants to this land.  Many of us have benefited from the opportunities it has offered. This handbook has been developed as a tool to build greater cultural awareness within our business community - not to overhaul existing practices, but to encourage curiosity, empathy and openness. It’s about recognising the richness of diversity that already surrounds us and the value migrant and those from a refugee background bring.

By breaking down bias and building understanding, we can create stronger businesses, more inclusive workplaces, and a more connected community. We’re fortunate to live in a place as vibrant and multicultural as ours - embracing that can only make us stronger.  Register to attend the launch and pick up your copy!

With our population set to boom significantly over the next 25 years, this plan is pivotal in ensuring we keep the lifestyle we love, while creating new opportunities for growth. Join Mayor Amy Eden, Ellen Buttrose and Sean Lisle as we look Towards 2025 and shaping the growth of Cairns.

Industry Skills Australia (ISA) is holding an Industry Roundtable to hear firsthand from the Transport Supply Chain industries on:

· The current and emerging skills and workforce priorities for your organisation/the industry

· The key blockages and bottlenecks to building a skilled workforce

· The high-impact solutions that industry would like to see put into action

The session will also include information on the new 2025 Workforce Plans for each industry and the significant program of work that is set to flow.

This is your chance to provide feedback on your ‘hot button’ issues and shape how the national skills system can respond to build a world class workforce for your industry.

Numbers are limited so please RSVP to confirm your spot as ISA is keen to meet you and understand your concerns and ideas.

A light breakfast is included.

Join the Conversation

Wednesday 24 September  II  08:00am-10:30am  II   Double Tree by Hilton 

Learn more about Industry Skills Australia and the 'people' first culture, where a skilled workforce is about better jobs, increased productivity and creating opportunity. 

People first, for a future-fit supply chain workforce.

Lights, Camera.... Action

The Cairns Chamber of Commerce featured the film and television industry at their August luncheon, spotlighting the significant economic impact this sector has on our region. 

Attendees gained valuable insights into how they can get involved and contribute to, and benefit from, this thriving industry - discovering the powerful ripple effect of investment…from job creation and local business growth to increased tourism and regional notoriety.

The conversations on the day reinforced how vital a strong and diverse pipeline of suppliers is to supporting the continuous growth and prosperity of this sector. The energy in the room made it clear that our local business community is eager to play a role in this journey and here is your opportunity to do so. 

Screen Queensland Studios Cairns invites suppliers from all industries to be a part of their welcome pack that is provided to incoming productions. Simply email sqscairns@screenqld.com.au with your contact details and information about the services you provide.

Local businesses in the following sectors and beyond are encouraged to register:

• Accommodation
• Accounting
• Advertising, publicity and marketing services
• Catering
• Construction supplies
• Insurance and legal services
• Medical and physiotherapy
• Landscaping supplies
• Photography
• Post-Production
• Printing
• Production
• Rental (technical equipment and props – costumes, furniture, plants, props etc.)
• Recording studios
• Security
• Storage and warehouse facilities
• Studios and rehearsal spaces
• Talent agents
• Transportation services (rentals, boating and aerial, moving services)
• Travel agents
• ... and more!

Bring Skills in or Develop Within?

Skilling the North - Bring Skills in or Develop from Within. That was the focus of the recent  'Inspiration on Tap' session hosted by JCU and delivered by Leigh-ann Onnis and Lisa Mannering.

Key takeaway? The way we think about work, skills, and careers in FNQ is shifting - fast!

With longer life expectancy, careers are no longer linear. Employers need to adapt to multi-stage lives filled with reinvention, lifelong learning, and flexibility.  With an aging workforce, businesses can't afford to ignore experience, IP and resilience of this demographic.

In Cairns, you can fast-track your career, broaden your scope of practice, and build a life connected to place and purpose. Retaining staff by providing wrap around support needs to be more of a priority.  This may include workplace flexibility, investing in staff learning and development and regular check-ins to understand and resolve any issues before the exit interview!  Sometimes the real barrier is how we frame the problem. Reframing can unlock surprising, future-focused solutions.

Spark Your Future with Government Funded Training

Queensland residents can now upskill or start new careers affordably through a range of government-funded programs. The streamlined process is simple:

(1) check if you're eligible using the online eligibility checker,

(2) explore fully funded or reduced-cost courses via the Queensland Skills Gateway, and

(3) enrol with a Skills Assure Supplier—a government-approved training provider—who receives funding directly so you can focus on learning, not paying fees.

From Career Start for job seekers pursuing entry-level or Certificate III qualifications to Career Boost for career changers aiming at higher-level training—plus enduring programs like Fee‑Free TAFE (available through to December 2026), Free Nursing diplomas, apprenticeships, traineeships, and VET‑in‑Schools pathway. Queenslanders of all backgrounds can gain nationally recognised qualifications aligned with industry needs across priority sectors.

Strengthen your business

Empowering First Nations Talent: How ITEC Employment Supports Business Growth

ITEC Employment has proudly been recognised by the Australian Government as a First Nations specialist in employment services. With a strong commitment to empowering First Nations individuals, ITEC supports sustainable career pathways through jobs, apprenticeships, and traineeships.

For businesses, partnering with ITEC Employment means more than just meeting workforce needs—it’s an opportunity to invest in the future of First Nations communities while strengthening internal capability and business resilience.

Here are four key benefits of partnering with ITEC Employment:

1. Cost-Efficiency
Upskilling existing staff is significantly more cost-effective than recruiting new hires. Businesses can reduce the time and money spent on recruitment and onboarding by developing current First Nations employees—resulting in increased stability and internal mobility.

2. Faster Productivity
First Nations apprentices and trainees who are already part of the business quickly apply their training with minimal disruption. Their familiarity with internal systems and culture allows them to deliver value sooner than new hires who may require more adjustment time.

3. Increased Engagement and Loyalty
When businesses invest in the growth of their First Nations employees, it fosters a sense of value and belonging. This leads to stronger staff loyalty, reduced turnover, and a more engaged and committed workforce.

4. Continuity and Knowledge Retention
Upskilling helps preserve valuable institutional knowledge and ensures smoother transitions when employees move into new roles. This approach supports business continuity and reduces the disruptions often caused by staff turnover.

By offering apprenticeships or traineeships to First Nations employees, businesses are not only contributing to personal growth—they’re also building a skilled, future-ready workforce.

Employers interested in exploring this opportunity can find more information from the Australian Government here: Should I hire an apprentice? | Australian Apprenticeships

FNQ Vocational Academy Launch

With a growing demand for skilled workers across industries, training continues to provide flexible and practical options for all Queenslanders - from school students and leavers, to adult learners, up-skillers, and those re-entering the workforce.  We popped along to the launch of the new look FNQ Vocational Academy and were blown away by the incredible resources available to students.  

The academy is a game-changer for those looking for a school program that combines academic studies with hands-on vocational training. 

In partnership with TAFE Queensland, the Department of Education, Trinity Bay State High School, and the Department of Trade, Employment and Training, FNQ Vocational Academy gives students the unique opportunity to study for their Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) while also earning Vocational Education and Training qualifications. The most popular choices at the moment? A Certificate II in Engineering, Cert II in Construction and a Cert II in Electrical.

What stood out to me was the emphasis on real-world skills through work placements, apprenticeships, and traineeships. Students can gain practical experience, making the transition from school to the workforce seamless.

This program supports students by offering:

* School subjects (Maths, English) while engaging in vocational training.

* Mentoring, career education, and industry engagement to help develop resilient and ready workers.

* Financial literacy, health & wellbeing programs, and much more to help students succeed.

We are excited about the future pathways for our students, and can not wait to see the impact this program will have in helping them develop the skills they need for success, as well as filling still shortages across our region.

You can't BE, what you can't SEE

Work experience is often a young person’s first glimpse into the world of work — and for a business, it’s a powerful chance to inspire, grow your future workforce, and elevate your profession, or industry.   

The Cairns Regional Jobs Committee has produced a Work Experience Guide for Business, and it’s packed with practical advice, step-by-step support, and real benefits for organisations keen to make a difference in our community. The guide showcases how taking on a student can help grow your future workforce, inspire young people, and strengthen your industry.

By hosting a student, you’re not just doing them a favour - you’re road-testing future talent. You’re showcasing your industry and the skills required. And you’re opening a door that might just change the trajectory of a young person’s life.

The skills shortage we are experiencing is real and across all industries.  But could the solution already be here - sitting in classrooms across our region?  Young people who are curious, capable, and just waiting to see what their future could look like. As the saying goes: "You can’t BE what you can’t SEE.“    Let's give them something worth seeing.

As a business, when you partner with a local school or organisation, you’re supported through every step. From paperwork to placement, students are insured and come ready to observe, contribute, and learn. And all it takes is a little planning and a willingness - to be part of their journey.

Whether it’s a one-week placement or the beginning of a school-based apprenticeship or traineeship, the impact is real - and lasting!   Be the business that inspires. Be the business that leads. Be part of growing - your own future workforce. Because when it’s done right, you get fresh perspectives, new energy - and you just might get your next hire. 

Your next recruit

Employer Guide to School-Based Apprenticeships & Traineeships – a practical toolkit for businesses ready to train the next generation while they complete school and gain real qualifications.   It allows students to stay at school for longer - combine their senior schooling with paid work and nationally recognised training.  They might be in your workplace one or two days a week, gaining real skills and experience while still completing their education. 

Considering a SAT means you get a motivated young person who wants to learn and grow in your industry – your business! You have the chance to train someone your way, from the ground up and build a future workforce – one that’s already familiar with your business, your values, and your expectations.

It’s also a powerful way to give back – supporting local youth and promoting your business as an employer of choice and it’s easier than you think.   You don’t need a whole training system in place – it’s is a shared effort, supported by schools, Registered Training Organisations and your Apprentice Connect Australia Provider (your ACAP). The training is tailored to industry needs and recognised nationwide.

Pick up your copies of all publications from the Cairns Chamber office at the Pier or download copies now from the Cairns Regional Jobs Committee website under Employer Resources/Work Experience and Employer Resources/State Government Programs

A special thanks to all who contributed to the publications during the collaboration phase.

Grants, Tenders & Support

Would you like to submit an article or good news story to feature in the next edition? Get in touch by emailing rjc@cairnschamber.com.au 

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