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

Upcoming Events

The Cairns Regional Jobs Committee (RJC), in partnership with QTIC, TTNQ and the Cairns Chamber of Commerce is hosting an Industry Roundtable Discussion – and you’re invited to help shape the future of our local workforce.  

Tuesday 3 June 2025  II  9:00am – 12:00pm  II  Pullman Reef Hotel, Wharf St, Cairns

We are seeking large and small businesses and organisations to share insights on workforce needs and skills shortages, discuss employment trends and future opportunities, explore training and development solutions and identify challenges facing our industries.  

Led by workforce experts Mitch Ryan, Victoria Hansen & Kathryn Moody, your voice will directly contribute to recommendations for the Queensland Government’s Department of Trade, Employment and Training (DTET) — making sure our region's real needs are heard.  

Email: rjc@cairnschamber.com.au by May 6 to express your interest.

Designated Area Migration Agreement (FNQ DAMA)

Cairns Chamber of Commerce Migration Manager Geoff Heath invites employers and HR managers to a free, in-person information session on the Far North Queensland Designated Area Migration Agreement (FNQ DAMA). Tailored to meet the region’s unique workforce needs, the FNQ DAMA offers greater occupational flexibility and specific concessions compared to standard skilled migration pathways—helping businesses fill roles that can’t be sourced locally.

Now in its sixth year, the program has supported many employers in addressing critical skill shortages. The session, held on Tuesday 29 April 2025 at the Cairns Regional Council Civic Reception Room, will explain how the FNQ DAMA works, outline the Occupations and Concessions List, guide attendees through the endorsement process, and include an open Q&A.  Can't make it?  Book an online session!

This interactive lunch and learn workshop is designed to support new leaders as they transition from skilled team members to confident, capable leaders.

Facilitated by Cairns-based leadership consultant Andrea Tunjic, the session explores why the leadership shift feels challenging, how self-doubt manifests in daily behaviours, and offers practical tools to build clarity, confidence, and calm—especially in difficult moments. Key topics include understanding the leadership skills gap, recognising low-confidence behaviours, and applying simple, real-world strategies for effective leadership.

Participants will leave with actionable insights, tools for tough conversations, and a clear next step in their leadership journey. The workshop takes place on Wednesday 21 May 2025 at Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort and is part of Queensland Small Business Month, supported by the Queensland Government.

Passion found... in HEALTH!

The 2025 Cairns #GoHealth Careers Expo, held on March 26 at the Cairns Convention Centre, brought together hundreds of students, jobseekers, and career changers from across Far North Queensland for a dynamic, one-day event focused on the region’s rapidly growing health and social services sector. Hosted by the Cairns Regional Jobs Committee (RJC), the Expo featured 44 exhibitors from private and public sectors, showcasing more than 300 career pathways in fields such as wellness, allied health, and social assistance. Attendees engaged in hands-on activities, professional development sessions, live demonstrations, and panel discussions, gaining practical insights into careers that offer both purpose and opportunity.

The event underscored the importance of building a local workforce to meet the sector’s rising demand, with projections showing over 3,300 new jobs expected by 2027–28. Leaders from organisations like Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service and the RJC emphasised the value of training and retaining local talent. Exhibitors ranged from hospitals and universities to disability services and aged care providers. Initiatives like the #GoHealth Expo, supported by CheckUP and the Gateway to Industry Schools Program, aim to bridge the gap between education and employment, helping participants—from students to career changers—explore meaningful, in-demand careers in health and social services.

Harmony in Action

Harmony in Action 2025, hosted by Centacare FNQ and held at Cairns Central on Harmony Day, was a vibrant celebration of skills, trades, and cultural diversity. The event drew 400 attendees, including job seekers, employers, families, and community members. A key feature was the Regional Skills Audit, where 150+ participants had their overseas qualifications and experience assessed by the Department of Employment, Trade and Training to match them with local job opportunities.

The day included speed interviews, mock interview sessions, professional resume photo booths, and panel discussions on employment pathways. Over 40 employers and service providers participated, showcasing 45+ current vacancies, with some job seekers receiving on-the-spot interviews.

Adding to the festive atmosphere was a Cultural Showcase with over 15 performances, celebrating the rich diversity of the Cairns community. The event was praised for its inclusive approach and strong collaboration between Centacare FNQ, the Queensland Government, Workforce Australia Cairns, Cairns Central, and Cairns Safer Streets. Feedback highlighted its impact in creating meaningful connections and real job outcomes.

From Air to Sea: Industries Collaborate to Tackle Skills Shortage

A new and exciting collaboration is underway in Cairns, bringing together the Aviation and Maritime industries for the first time to address a growing need for skilled workers in marine avionics.

The partnership was sparked during a skills assessment in the Maritime sector, prompted by the arrival of more defence craft in the region and the corresponding demand for specialised maintenance skills. As the TAFE North Marine College and industry stakeholders explored local capacity, they discovered that many of the required skills were already being taught in Cairns—within the Aviation sector, where avionics training has been delivered for over two decades.

Chris Piggot from Cairns Aviation Skills Centre (CASC) tells said "This revelation came to light through industry networking events, including the Chamber of Commerce, highlighting the potential for cross-sector collaboration". Now, both industries are working closely with TAFE North, holding meetings with SME's to align training programs and create pathways for upskilling local talent for the Maritime sector.

While the initiative is still in its early stages, the model for local delivery is showing strong potential. It’s a promising step forward not only for workforce development but also for regional collaboration and sets the tone for future partnerships that leverage Cairns’ existing strengths to meet evolving industry needs.

(Photo: courtesy of The Cairns Post)

Snapshots

Diverse Queensland Workforce (DQW). The program assists employers to connect with unemployed work ready migrants, refugees and international students aged 18 years and over. In the Far North Queensland region, the program is available in Cairns through Centacare FNQ Employment Hub by contacting on 4044 0130.

Employers can explore the option of developing or attracting apprentices and trainees from a Skilling Queenslanders for Work program. If you would like to discuss this further with a local officer in Cairns, please email fnqsqw@desbt.qld.gov.au

The Tablelands University Centre (TUC) has launched a free local job site at tuc.edu.au/jobs, helping businesses in the Tablelands and Mareeba regions connect with local talent, including TUC students. Designed to reduce recruitment costs, the platform offers free job listings, targets local candidates—especially important given limited housing for newcomers—and provides increased visibility to a wide range of potential applicants. Posting is simple, making it easier than ever for businesses to find skilled local professionals.

Seeking CAREER Changers

What transferrable skills have you acquired from working, volunteering or raising children that could make you the next best Teacher? Perhaps you are a Teacher Aide and have would like to upskill or could you re-focus your industry skills and take the next stap to enter the vocational education and training sector.

Investigate more:

Teacher registration in Qld - Teaching in Qld? | QCT

Teacher registration in Queensland

Education Support Courses & Training | TAFE Queensland

Diploma of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education | TAFE Queensland

Certificate IV in Training and Assessment | TAFE Queensland

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.

Grants, Tenders & Support

Supporting Local Skills Growth: $3M Program Now Open for Applications

The Local Skills Solutions program is a $3 million Queensland Government initiative designed to help regional and local communities address training gaps and adapt to changing labour markets—particularly in areas facing economic transition or growth in emerging industries.

The program aims to strengthen collaboration between employers, industry bodies, and community organisations to deliver practical, localised training solutions. Projects funded under this initiative can receive up to $250,000 (GST exclusive) and must begin within three months of funding approval.

Key project goals include:

• Expanding face-to-face training for in-demand local skills

• Providing wraparound support such as mentoring and additional learning resources

• Increasing industry engagement and encouraging employers to participate in tailored training efforts

The funding is available until fully allocated in 2025, and a co-contribution is required, although there's no fixed percentage.

Eligible applicants must be:

• Based in Queensland; Registered for GST; Hold a valid ABN and be part of an industry group, community organisation, or group training provider with strong local ties

The program particularly encourages applications that aim to boost workforce participation among priority cohorts, including First Nations peoples, women, young people, people with disability, and culturally and linguistically diverse individuals.

Interested organisations should review the program documents, FAQs, and budget template before applying via the official website. Now is a great time to act if your organisation is focused on building local talent and supporting inclusive career pathways.

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 

Subscribe now to receive more RJC newsletters.