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FEBRUARY 2025
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
Jodie Duignan-George
As the year moves into full swing, the RJC team are ramping up activity. Here are a few highlights worth a mention.
After several months of collaboration with Kinetic, Local Jobs & Skills Taskforce, The Cairns Chamber of Commerce, and a number of businesses in the Cairns Marine Precinct (CMP), the Bus Route Pilot, connecting Yarrabah to the CMP is ready to launch. This six-month trial will commence at the end of February. The overall intent is for this initiative to become a permanent, fully funded service through TransLink. Its success hinges on Australian Government funding, which is tied to the availability of suitable entry-level job opportunities within the CMP. To support this vision, precinct employers have been invited to highlight any vacant positions they can offer.
The Cairns Health Careers Expo is now in the final planning stages and is expected to be a significant highlight on the Cairns RJC activity calendar – have you or your school registered to attend? Further details are below.
The Committee is also collaborating with several stakeholders to create a welcome experience program to support individuals and their families moving to our region to take up positions in our local workforce. More in-depth information will come to light in the coming months as we commence consultations with local employers. #ChooseCairns
Upcoming LIVE Events
Round ONE now open
The first round of Skilling Queenslanders for Work (SQW) funding for 2025–26 is now open! This $80 million annual initiative supports up to 15,000 disadvantaged Queenslanders in gaining employment while strengthening the workforce and building a resilient economy.
SQW offers tailored, community-based programs to groups such as youth, mature-age job seekers, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, women re-entering the workforce, and others facing barriers to employment. Programs include paid traineeships, foundational skills training, and employer incentives like wage subsidies.
Upcoming resources, such as webinars, workshops, and information sessions, will assist organisations in applying for funding. Don’t miss this opportunity to make a real impact.
To assist organisations seeking funding or improving applications, the Department of Trade, Employment and Training (DTET) Far North Queensland Regional Office is hosting
an SQW Information Session. This in-person event will introduce the programs, feature insights from current providers, and offer networking opportunities.
When: Thursday 13 February 2025
Time: 10am – 12 noon
Venue: Boland’s Centre, 14 Spence Street, Cairns City
This session is ideal for those new to SQW funding or looking for program updates.
Website REFRESH
If you have been on our website recently, you might have noticed a bunch of new content. Whether you are a business, job seeker, parent or teacher, you will find loads of useful information to inform and connect you.
From student success stories, to showcasing employers of choice, inclusive workplaces, key industry information, job seeker resources and the latest economic data and reports, the Cairns RJC site has a wealth of information for everyone.
Plus, our parents & pathways session recordings are now available for viewing.
Employing young workers
If you are looking to employ young workers, have a read up on this guide: Employing young workers - Fair Work Ombudsman
It offers managers and employer's valuable insights into creating an inclusive and supportive workplace for young workers, emphasising the importance of helping young employees transition from school to work through tailored policies, effective communication, and structured training.
The guide outlines legal requirements, such as minimum age, junior pay rates, and workplace safety, while providing practical tips on managing unpaid work, work experience, and apprenticeships. It also highlights the need for a positive workplace culture, clear expectations, and performance management.
With case studies, checklists, and free resources, the guide helps businesses move beyond compliance to adopt best practices that engage and empower young workers, shaping the future of both the employees and your business.
CHOOSE Cairns
Did you know about the Choose Cairns Website? The Cairns Regional Council run website has all the information you need to know about living, working, playing and relocating to Cairns, including the weather!
Cairns is not just a tourist hotspot but also a thriving hub for job seekers. With over 2,000 job vacancies across diverse industries—hospitality, trades, healthcare, and more—opportunities abound in our beautiful region.
The website is an ideal tool to include in job advertisements to attract top talent. It's also great for locals who want to refresh their knowledge.
Empowering Students, Elevating Businesses through work experience
Work experience is a vital opportunity for students to explore career paths, gain practical skills, and build confidence in the working world. It benefits businesses by shaping future talent and helping secure skilled staff. Students can confirm career interests, apply learned knowledge, and develop transferable skills like communication, teamwork, and organisation.
Networking and real-world exposure also prepares them for job applications and interviews. Local businesses can help build the capacity, confidence and careers of our young people in year 10 and those seeking placements from university. Put your hand up and future proof your business and industry by being involved in a work experience program and empower a generation. Who knows, you may just find your next employee!
The Cairns RJC is currently working on a guide for business and organisations to help them better understand the work experience model and how easy it can be to take on a student in the workplace.
Here's a wrap up of the 2024 Work Experience program at Cairns State High School, thanks to Cairns High and VPG.
"All the evidence suggests that if young people have those [workplace] experiences while they are at school, it helps them make a great transition into employment and it's more likely they'll be in employment over a longer period of time,"
Doug Taylor - CEO The Smith Family.
Grants, Tenders & Support
Funding Opportunity: Manufacturing Hubs Grant Program – Round 4
Attention manufacturing SMEs in the Cairns SA4 region! The Manufacturing Hubs Grant Program is now open, offering grants ranging from $10,000 to $500,000.
This program is designed to help manufacturers boost productivity, develop advanced manufacturing capabilities, and support the creation of future-focused jobs.
Applications close on 30 June 2025, or earlier if funding is fully allocated. Don’t miss this chance to drive innovation and growth in your business!
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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