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APRIL 2024
CAIRNS Regional Jobs Committee
RJC's develop solutions to local skills and workforce needs.
An update from the Chair
Over the past few months, RJC's in Queensland have undergone a refresh to ensure they are representative of local industry and focused on providing effective outcomes for the region. I am pleased to have been reinstated as the Chair of the Cairns RJC and am excited to welcome a new committee, that I will introduce to you next month.
Over the next few months, the Cairns Regional Jobs Committee will gather information from a range of industry representatives with insights into the current and skills future requirements of their sectors.
Our Project Manager, has been busy planning and executing workshops for SME, working in collaboration with industry to host a number of Career Open days and uncovering great stories in our community. Jodie Duignan-George
Upcoming LIVE Events
Getting it RIGHT.
Every business owner knows that we need to work on our businesses as much as we work in our businesses. This new series developed by the Cairns RJC, takes you through employment law, managing staff, onboarding and training, rewarding and retaining and leading RIGHT. Becoming an employer everyone wants to work for, starts with getting it right from the start and building a culture where staff want to work. Refine your procedures, reflect and build a more resilient business. The first two workshops were extremely well received. Book your seat now at www.cairnschamber.com.au/events
Hear from best-selling author, entrepreneur and global presenter Andrew Griffiths on the strategies you need to future proof your business.
Andrew will share 7 key strategies that will future proof us as individuals, business owners, entrepreneurs and even entire industries! With the rate of change speeding up, the risk of losing relevance with our targeted customers has never been more real or more rapid. We all need to have a strategic plan to ensure that we stay relevant and that in turn is exactly what will future proof us in the years ahead. Don't miss this luncheon during Small Business month, this May.
Upcoming ONLINE events
Industry WORKFORCE Advisors
Boost staff attraction and retention with an Industry Workforce Advisor
Industry Workforce Advisors have been established under the Good people. Good jobs: Queensland Workforce Strategy 2022–2032 to help employers:
- identify solutions to workforce challenges including the development of workforce plans to address gaps.
- connect with relevant Queensland programs and funding, industry-based initiatives and grant funding, and Australian Government wage subsidies and employer incentives.
The Industry Workforce Advisor program aims to provide workforce planning assistance to employers in small and medium sized businesses, enabling them to address workforce challenges, diversify their workforces, and support workforce growth. This may include identifying recruitment strategies to expand applicant pools and considering underrepresented groups to build a stronger, more capable workforce.
Connect with an Advisor today to discuss tailored strategies that foster team growth and stability. To find out more about how Industry Workforce Advisors can help you and your business attract, retain and develop staff visit qld.gov.au/industryworkforceadvisors
Workforce Connect FUND
Workforce attraction and retention are two of the biggest issues facing employers today. To help tackle this problem, apprenticeship network provider MEGT and their training partner Major Training partnered with Australia’s largest bus group Kinetic to implement the Car2Bus pre-employment program, thanks to funding from Workforce Connect. Aimed at upskilling women, migrants, and First Nations people for jobs in Queensland’s Road transport industry, this 12-month program is supporting around 300 jobseekers to get their medium rigid vehicle licence and connect with employment opportunities in both metro and regional centres.
The Workforce Connect Fund is designed to increase investment in industry and community-led projects that address attraction, retention and participation issues within the workforce. It aims to drive systemic, industry-wide change in relation to these issues, to enhance workforce outcomes. The WFC fund provides grants for large, scalable projects delivered by industry peak bodies and community peak organisations to connect, develop and implement new and innovative strategies, services and/or mechanisms that support the attraction and retention of employees now and into the future.
Email wcf@desbt.qld.gov.au or phone 1300 369 935 for more information.
Apprenticeship Success
Born and raised in Innisfail, Ethan Laska was always interested in building and fixing things. He enjoyed working on is parents farm, fixing tractors mowers and other forms of machinery. After high school, he chose to do an apprenticeship as a fitter and turner through Community Solutions, who placed him with Australian Hydraulic Services.
“My experience with Community Solutions has been good they have helped me through my apprenticeship, the arrange everything relating to my apprenticeship such as notifying my employer and myself of the Tafe dates assist with trade and accommodation subsidies, and I can always contact he Field Officer if I have any issues and I get a face-to-face contact visit every 4- 6 weeks”, said Ethan.
Natalie Austin from Australian Hydraulic Services says "Training new people takes considerable time and effort not only as business owners but for our qualified staff that invest time in their colleagues. It can be very rewarding and creates a great working environment where everyone feels valued".
An apprenticeship is all about getting the foundation right for future employment, these are the building block years. Typically, a business that hires trainees or apprentices report a higher level of staff retention and job satisfaction.
"We are trying to build a business culture that we can be proud of," said Natalie.
"Taking on trainees and apprentices creates a learning environment for people to pick up new skills, sharing knowledge among staff and cementing their understanding of their trade. We have not only grown our business but created jobs within our community. Community Solutions was a reliable service that provided continuous and consistent support so that we could get the best out of our employees" she said.
Did you know there is financial support available to businesses who hire eligible participants plus wage subsides and incentives to hire an Apprentice?
Disaster Recovery Response Initiative Launched
Construction Skills Queensland (CSQ), together with HIA have paved the pave the way for 40 individuals to embark on their journey into the Construction Industry. CSQ has developed a program that will span one week per round and is designed for job seekers affected by Cyclone Jasper, whether they come from sectors like Tourism, Hospitality, Agriculture, or others. Those recently displaced by the closure of Mossman Mill and other jobseekers are also encouraged to register.
“We're seeking candidates who are ready to work, requiring just a few short courses to kickstart their careers in Construction”, says CSQ Industry Engagement manager Sarah Menniti.
The program will operate over five days (Mon-Fri) with two rounds. The first intake begins on May 27th, followed by the second on June 3rd, 2024.Training will be conducted by the Housing Industry Association (HIA), with the venue yet to be determined. Each morning, employers will visit to discuss roles in Construction and current vacancies in our region, which will also be listed on our jobs board in the training room.
The courses included in the program are as follows:
· CPCWHS1001: Prepare to work safely in the construction industry
· CPCCWHS2001: Apply WHS requirements, policies, and procedures in the construction industry.
· CPCCCM2004: Handle Construction Materials
· AGAT: Asbestos General Awareness Training
· SGATF2F: Silica General Awareness Training
There will be no cost for providers or participants, though participants will need to provide their own PPE (Steel-Capped Boots, Long Sleeve Shirt, etc). Click the registration link below to jump on board.
EMPLOYERS if you would like to attend a morning session to meet participants and speak about why you think Construction is a great industry for participants to join, or if you have a vacancy, please send it to sarah.menniti@csq.org.au to place on the jobs board.
Make GREAT happen
Seize the day and get job ready with FEE-FREE TAFE!
With over 70 industry-recognised courses to choose from, learn in-demand skills in high-priority areas like cyber security and IT, health and science, business, education and community, agriculture and service industries. Make Great Happen at TAFE.
Upskilling Queenslanders
Looking for opportunities to update or advance your professional and industry knowledge and skills? From email etiquette to creating work culture as a leader, chemical hazard awareness or online marketing skills, there's a micro credential course at CQU, just for you or a staff member.
Retain good staff and provide them with professional development short courses online or on campus.
Grant & Tender Opportunities
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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