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

This week, we came together once again to foster collaboration and promote an ecosystem mindset focused on strengthening our region, workforce, and the future of Cairns. Meeting of the Minds #2 featured insightful presentations from The Department of Trade, Employment and Training (DTET), FNQ Vocational Academy (formerly SchoolTech), Cairns High School, Cairns Regional Council, Centacare, the Department of Defence, RSIP, and the Carins RJC. The event sparked valuable conversations, new connections, and fresh ideas around workforce development and skills for tomorrow.  Thank you to all who attended and contributed.  

Snapshot

Unemployment Rate: Currently 4.3% Youth unemployment rate Currently 9.2%

Our top employing industries are:

• Healthcare & Social Assistance: 18.6% 

• Accommodation & Food Services: 10.5%

• Retail: 8.7% 

• Public Administration & Safety: 8.2%.

• Professional, Scientific & Technical Services: 7.3%.

Source: ABS, Labour force Survey (Nov 24 quarter) detailed four quarter averages.  Due to flooding in Northern Queensland during Feb 25, several labour market data sources have been negatively impacted as a result it is not possible to provide Feb 2025 industry data at this stage.

NEW bus service connecting Yarrabah to Portsmith

We’re thrilled with the announcement of the new Yarrabah–Portsmith bus service, a new pilot bus service launching on 16 June, proudly funded by the Australian Government through Wugu Nyambil.

This express service is designed to support local employment, getting workers to Portsmith in time for a 7:00 AM start and returning with a 3:30 PM pickup.

If your business is located in the Portsmith or Cairns Marine Precinct and you’re looking to fill roles, please reach out to Rob Friskin r.friskin@wugunyambil.com.au with the position details and any other relevant information.  Let’s connect talent to opportunity—together!

This is a joint initiative with Cairns | Kinetic Yarrabah Aboriginal Shire Council Wugu Nyambil – Holding onto work Workforce Australia Local Jobs Program, The Cairns Chamber of Commerce and the Cairns Regional Jobs Committee.  

Upcoming Events

Building the Workforce in Cairns: Construction, Skills & Labour
12:00pm for a 12:30pm start | 17 June | Crystalbrook Riley

Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA) Queensland will host an in-depth discussion on the evolving workforce needs within the construction and property development industry. This event will explore the current skills landscape, identify existing gaps, and spotlight future opportunities.

Robert Sobyra from BuildSkills Australia will present the latest research and data, offering expert analysis on workforce trends, skill shortages, and strategies for industry and government to attract and retain talent.

RJC member Sarah Menniti from Construction Skills Queensland will provide valuable insights from a local perspective, examining Cairns' construction pipeline, workforce challenges, future outlook for the building and engineering sectors and an update on RJC activities.

Don't miss this important conversation

Learn more about UDIA Cairns 

Building the Workforce in Cairns: Construction, Skills & Labour - UDIA Queensland

Explore your future in Queensland State Schools
5.30-7.30 start | Thursday 05 June | Trinity Bay State High School

Considering a teaching career in Queensland? Don’t miss the 2025 Teach Rural Career Fair—a great chance to:

• Learn about diverse teaching roles in primary, secondary, special education, and more

• Connect with recruiters and school leaders about current and future vacancies

• Discover the unique professional and lifestyle opportunities in regional, rural, and remote communities

• Gain insights into financial incentives, support, and development programs for teachers

• Get practical advice on applications, transfers, and career progression

Whether you're a preservice, early-career, or experienced teacher, this event is your gateway to rewarding roles across Queensland.

Who should attend:

• Preservice teachers.
• Beginning and experienced teachers, including teachers seeking employment, permanency or career progression in Queensland state schools.
• Trade to Teach and Turn to Teaching Interns, current scholarship recipients and RATEP participants.

Defence Industry Skills in Focus

AIDN Micro Credential Program II Cairns – 9–10 June

The Australian Industry & Defence Network (AIDN QLD), in partnership with the Queensland Government, is delivering four practical micro-credential courses in Cairns on 9–10 June to strengthen local Defence Industry capability. Topics include security and DISP, business resilience, digital compliance, and aligning with Sovereign Defence Industrial Priorities. Open to a wide range of Defence Industry professionals, these 4-hour, face-to-face sessions are led by industry experts.

9th of June, Cairns: AIDN QLD Micro Credential Program, Defence Security and DISP | AIDN

10th of June: Aligning to Sovereign Defence Industrial Priorities (SDIPs)

NEW: Maritime Supply Chain Report
Check out the North and Far North Queensland Maritime Industry Supply Chain Report, showcasing the strength and diversity of the regional maritime sector.

North and Far North Queensland Maritime Industry Supply Chain Report

You're Invited: Marine Sector Sundowner #2 – 28 May
Connect with FNQ’s vibrant marine community – from superyachts to defence – at the second Marine Sector Sundowner, co-hosted by Defence Industry Networking and the Superyacht Group Great Barrier Reef.
📍 Salt House, Cairns | 🕔 5–7pm, Wed 28 May

AgTech meets Storytime

Agribusiness is a major driver of the Cairns regional economy, generating over $1 billion each year. Thanks to the area's tropical climate, fertile soil, and strong supply chains, the region produces and exports raw sugar, live cattle, tropical fruits, seafood, and more.  Covering nearly half the region—10,000 square kilometres—Cairns' agricultural land is ideal for diverse crops and the sector is evolving rapidly through groundbreaking innovation and smart technologies. From drones and robotics to data-driven farming and climate-smart practices, agriculture today is about working smarter, not just harder.

AgTech is a priority investment area of Advance Queensland, reshaping the way we grow, harvest, and produce food across the state. This transformation is creating exciting new career paths, boosting sustainability, and attracting a new generation of tech-savvy minds to the land.  A future where Queensland’s rich agricultural roots grow hand-in-hand with world-class innovation – proving that agriculture isn’t just about working the land, it’s about shaping the future.   

Photo: credit - ABC Tropical North

Q & A with Nomagugu Siwela

Noma encourages colleagues to ask questions and show genuine curiosity about different cultures, noting that such openness creates spaces where everyone can be their authentic selves. Her message? “Let’s always celebrate each other. Our differences make the workplace richer and more harmonious.”

And her favourite dish to share? A hearty plate of pap with spiced kale and beef—a taste of home she loves introducing to others.

Cultural Awareness Handbook

We know that Cairns is home to a valuable pool of both skilled and unskilled labour, particularly within our migrant and refugee communities. The Cairns Regional Jobs Committee is currently developing a Cultural Awareness handbook for businesses to help more employers recognise the benefits of building a diverse and inclusive workforce, to boost their confidence in hiring individuals from migrant and refugee backgrounds and fill their skills shortages.

Designed to promote understanding and improve cultural safety, this resource and is being developed in conjunction with Multicultural Australia, Centacare and a number of local businesses.   If you have a multicultural workforce or are a community cultural leader and would like to contribute, please get in touch.  rjc@cairnschamber.com.au 

Powering Queensland with Renewable Energy

CleanCo, a Queensland Government-owned energy company, continues to lead the state’s transition to a low-emission future through its innovative, no-coal energy portfolio. Since entering the market in 2019, the company has generated more than 12,000GWh of clean energy for Queenslanders, reinvesting its profits back into the state.

One of CleanCo’s foundational assets is the Barron Gorge Power Station, located within the Barron Gorge National Park on Djabugay Country near Cairns. This hydroelectric station produces up to 66MW of reliable, renewable energy—rain or shine—by harnessing the natural flow of the Barron River, and when needed, water from Tinaroo Falls Dam. Water is captured at the Kuranda Weir and channelled underground to power two 33MW generators.

Over the past year, Barron Gorge has seen more than $25 million invested into key infrastructure projects, engaging over 600 workers—most of them local contractors. The site’s team is committed to operating sustainably, minimising environmental impact, and working closely with the local community.

Applications now open!

Applications are now open for CQUniversity’s Master of Nursing (Graduate Entry) – Term 2 intake.

If you hold a three-year degree in a non-nursing field and are looking to become a registered nurse, this course could be your pathway into the profession.

Key highlights:
• Complete the course in as little as 18 months full-time (subject to clinical placement availability); part-time study also available
• Flexible online learning with required residential schools held at the Cairns campus
• Gain hands-on experience with 800 hours of clinical placements

Find out more: cqu.edu.au/courses/1201003/master-of-nursing-graduate-entry

There has been strong interest from individuals across diverse fields — from paramedicine to business — making this a great option for professionals ready to transition into nursing!

SWAP the trade tools for the classroom

Swap the trade tools for the classroom

The Queensland Government's Trade to Teach Internship Program.

• provides a supported pathway for skilled and industry-experienced tradespeople to transition to a rewarding career in teaching
• builds the supply of Industrial Technology and Design (ITD) teachers in our Queensland state schools, where they are needed most, so that our students have the opportunity to learn foundational trade skills and open up employment pathways for their future.

If you hold a trade qualification and want to pursue a teaching career in ITD, the Trade to Teach Internship Program can help by providing:

• financial support while you study full-time
• a paid internship teaching position with support in the classroom to enable you to gain professional experience
• a permanent teaching position following graduation.

The Trade to Teach Internship Program is also an action under the Good people. Good jobs: Queensland Workforce Strategy 2022–2032, the Queensland Government whole-of-government strategy to strengthen Queensland's workforce.

VET Emerging Industries (VEI)

The VET Emerging Industries (VEI) initiative is a $15 million, two-year investment by the Queensland Government aimed at ensuring a skilled workforce for emerging and evolving industries.

Targeting four key sectors—manufacturing, agribusiness, energy, and screen and digital industries—VEI supports projects through TAFE Queensland strategies and dedicated skills funds. The initiative collaborates with industry, government, and stakeholders to attract and retain workers, and reskill, upskill, or build on existing qualifications and skills of existing workers. VEI focuses on three main areas:

🌾developing innovative VET training products such as new qualifications, micro-credentials, skill sets, units of competency and non-accredited training courses are crucial in providing innovative and flexible training and teaching solutions to support the skill needs of emerging industries.

📊 addressing skills gaps through targeted training, and

🏭supporting workforce development to help businesses adapt to new and changing industry demands.

Email vpi@desbt.qld.gov.au or phone 1300 369 935 for enquiries about the VET Emerging Industries initiative.  

Photo credit: mediaweek/thebrag

Celebrate Queensland Day June 6

Queensland Day is just around the corner — and it's more than just a celebration of our great state. It's a chance to shine a spotlight on the incredible businesses that help make Queensland strong, innovative, and proud.

Whether you're a local café, an established business, a growing startup, or a regional success story, this is your opportunity to get involved. The Queensland Government is backing local businesses with resources and promotional tools to help you connect with our community and share your story.

✅ Promote your business using our free digital assets  Resources | QLD Day

✅ Celebrate your achievements as part of Queensland’s proud business community Queensland Day | Celebrate What Makes QLD Great

✅ Boost your visibility during a state-wide celebration by displaying posters so customers can vote for you, share it on social media and hashtag #AllTheBestQLD.

You can also nominate a Local Legend to recognise and celebrate everyday Queenslanders in your community who embody the spirit, values and pride of Queensland. Nominate a local legend | QLD Day

Let’s celebrate the spirit of Queensland together — by supporting and showcasing the businesses that power our state.

#QueenslandDay #SupportLocal #AllTheBestQLD #CairnsChamberofCommerce

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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