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January 2024
CAIRNS Regional Jobs Committee
The Cairns RJC has brought together representatives from the community who contribute their knowledge, skills, insight and passion for the region, its people and its future. The committee is administered by the Cairns Chamber of Commerce and meets every six weeks. The Regional Jobs Committees (RJCs) are part of the Queensland Government's plan to work with local communities through improving training and employment pathways; identifying projected future growth industries; connecting stakeholders and delivering localised solutions.
Identify, Connect, Improve & Deliver.
The committees are one of the key actions of the Queensland Workforce Strategy 2022-2032 Good People, Good Jobs which aims to connect industry, community and government to more Queenslanders, educate the workforce through upskilling and reskilling and attract and retain a skilled workforce.
An Update from the Chair
Since the inception of the Regional Jobs Committee, we have facilitated workshops and seminars for employers on recruitment, retention and becoming an employer of choice.
We have worked with industry and key stakeholders to shine a spotlight on the jobs of the future through Career Open Days, engaged with government in the Queensland workforce summit, collaborated with employers across key industries to address current and future skills gaps as well as hosting key speakers from various industry sectors whilst advocating for real jobs in our community.
This year we will continue to work closely with Queensland Government to advise of initiatives which will work towards solving the regions unique workforce and skilling challenges.
Jodie Duignan-George
Save the Date
Block out Tuesday 28 May 2024 for a hands-on marketing workshop with Australia's #1 small business author and global presenter, Andrew Griffiths – the Entrepreneurial Futurist. Then join us at the Cairns Chamber of Commerce's Business lunch where Andrew will share his extensive knowledge and experience to celebrate Small Business month.
with "his real-life experience and business knowledge, which he shares so powerfully with his masterful storytelling ... Andrew is a truly extraordinary speaker - Luke Renehan, Head of marketing and events, Newable UK.
Following on from the success of our Becoming an Employer of Choice workshop, the RJC will facilitate a number of workshops in 2024 aimed at helping businesses with procedures and processes to manage staff and retain workers. Topics include Recruiting RIGHT, Employment Law done RIGHT, Onboarding RIGHT, Training RIGHT, Reward & Retain RIGHT, managing internal conflict RIGHT, Upskilling RIGHT and building an Employee Value Proposition RIGHT.
Maritime Careers Open Day
in May 2023 in collaboration with key stakeholders, we delivered an extremely successful Maritime Careers Open day.
This event attracted both young and older individuals from all walks of life who were interested in pursuing a career in the maritime industry as well as showcasing opportunities for individuals looking at the possibilities of a career change.
Over 30 businesses from the marine/reef tourism and manufacturing industries, as well as the defence force, supply chain and sustainment, commercial shipping, and superyacht sectors were present. On the day people also had the opportunity to speak to education and local job providers who were able to impart knowledge on what is required to join this exciting and fast-growing industry. A jobs board promoted existing job opportunities for all to see.
Visitors took guided tours the shipyards and received personalised information through live activations and career information sessions. Champions of local industry were on hand to discuss apprenticeships and the sectors focus to increasing employment opportunities. Training organisations and apprenticeship centres were onsite to discuss how to gain the highly sought-after industry-standard tickets and licenses.
The focus of the event was to highlight the local career opportunities in the Marine, Maritime and Manufacturing industries, as well as the global career opportunities in the defence force, supply chain and sustainment, commercial shipping, and superyacht sectors. Although a wet day, over 2000 people turned out to explore career opportunities in this rapidly growing and specialised industry.
Working Together with Industry
Clockwise from the top - James & Trisha from the Cairns Adventure Group, AV display from the Cairns Convention Centre, Trudy from Tourism Taster, Workforce Australia Cairns Local Jobs Board and exhibitors on the trade floor.
The RJC teamed up with the Cairns Chamber of Commerce and the Cairns Convention Centre to host a Tourism, Hospitality and Events Careers Expo during the Centre's Community open day in November 2023.
We collaborated with Workforce Australia Cairns to create a jobs board with current vacancies from businesses in the region, who had real jobs available and needed staff immediately. The RJC invited Tourism & Hospitality businesses, along with job seeker and employer support services to exhibit. It was a great opportunity to connect with job seekers, highlight career opportunities in this sector and an excellent opportunity for brand exposure and connection.
With 800 people passing through the centre on the day, 265 people engaged with the jobs board. There were 54 positions on offer from a diesel mechanic to a resort manager, Hotel BDM, Chef, dancers, bus drivers, security personnel, an animal handler, AV technicians, bar staff, tour guides, F&B attendants, an accountant and many more ... all in the Tourism, Hospitality & events sector!
Becoming an Employer of Choice
The RJC Cairns organised a workshop for HR & Business Managers, owners and business leaders with Mark Puncher from Employer Branding Australia. Mark helped attendees understand that to attract and retain good employees, they need to look at the policies, procedures and practices currently in place, particularly around recruitment, in order become an employer of choice.
"Thoroughly enjoyed this session with Mark. I'm interested in how to get the best out of our team and reward them for their efforts. Our people are our greatest asset. Thank you!'' Trinity Fire Services
Thank you for a great learning opportunity! Stay tuned to watch Mark’s advice come to life at Heightened Security Solutions and Heightened Services Cleaning Solutions.
Emerging Industries
Do you work in the Energy Sector? Do you have an Apprentice on staff or know of one that could benefit from The New Energy Apprenticeships Program, which is available to Australian Apprentices working in the clean energy sector? They could be eligible to receive up to $10,000 during their apprenticeship and work with an industry mentor. Click this link for more information New Energy Apprenticeships Program Flyer - Department of Employment and Workplace Relations, Australian Government (dewr.gov.au) or reach out to MEGT , The Busy Group , Sarina Russo or MAS National
Recruitment
Are you looking to attract the right applicants and develop a more diverse workforce? The Department of Employment and Workplace Relations will be hosting a webinar on Effective Job Ads: Finding Great Staff.
Hear from industry experts and employer guest speakers as they share ideas for creating job advertisements that motivate individuals with the right skills and experience to apply.
Webinar: 1 pm AEDT on Wednesday 14 February 2024.
Workforce Planning
Workforce planning is about having the right people, with the right skills, in the right roles, at the right time and at the right cost. Workforce planning will help you achieve your business goals by aligning your people strategy with your business needs; decide how to best prepare for the future; plan recruitment and training and create a flexible and responsive workforce.
Workforce Evolve Webinar Series
- Topic: Preparing your business for future workforce
- Date: Every Thursday from 18 Jan - 22 Feb 2-24
- Time: 9:00am - 9:30am
- Zoom Webinar
As the labour shortage continues, employers who can adopt a forward-thinking approach to their recruitment and workforce planning will be best placed to attract the widest segment of jobseekers possible. Learn how the Workforce Evolve program can support you in creating your business plan, employer brand, strategies, workplace practices and management approaches to distinguish yourself as an employer of choice. Delivered by Business Chamber Queensland, the Workforce Evolve program is a Queensland Government funded e-learning program, designed to help employers think differently about who they hire and how to retain them in the future.
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