A local business chamber will receive up to $300,000 in funding over 18 months from the state government, to identify future growth industries and lead new job training and career pathways.
The Caloundra Chamber of Commerce will lead a new Sunshine Coast Regional Jobs Committee, which was launched by Member for Caloundra Jason Hunt.
It is one of 12 Regional Jobs Committees across Queensland to connect job seekers with local training and work opportunities.
“The Sunshine Coast has significant forecasted growth in new, good jobs in health care, construction, engineering, hospitality and retail as part of the runway to the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games,” Minister for Employment and Small Business and Minister for Training and Skills Development Lance McCallum said.
“Caloundra Chamber of Commerce has the know-how and connections to help turbo-charge workplace skills and jobs for a growing Sunshine Coast economy.”
Data from Jobs Queensland predicts jobs growth on the Sunshine Coast will be the second highest in the state by 2025-26, with a 12.5 per cent increase in vacancies, or more than 22,500 extra employment opportunities.
Health care, social assistance and aged care are tipped to become one of the fastest-growing businesses on the Sunshine Coast.
“As a strong advocate for opportunities to live and work on the Sunshine Coast, Caloundra Chamber is so proud to bring the Sunshine Coast Regional Jobs Committee to life,” CEO Brady Sullivan said.
“The Sunshine Coast’s population is forecasted to grow to over 500,000 by 2046, and we want to ensure our school leavers are aware of and equipped to dive right into local jobs.
“The Sunshine Coast already has a lot to offer – including a growing local economy and a great lifestyle.
“With a passionate group of local leaders driving the local Regional Jobs Committee, we can ensure the Sunshine Coast community has the tools to propel local business growth.”
The launch was held in Pelican Waters at Rockpool Residential Aged Care, which is looking for skilled workers and predicts it will need up to 100 on-site staff as the centre grows.
“For Rockpool Residential Aged Care, attracting and retaining the right staff is critical, and that’s what makes the Regional Jobs Committee so important,” Mr Hunt said.
“I want to thank the Caloundra Chamber of Commerce for the work they’re doing with industry to deliver new job training, identify career pathways and create opportunities on the Sunshine Coast.”
Rockpool Residential Aged Care CEO Melissa Argent said she was keen to see Sunshine Coast locals enter the aged care industry.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for those wanting a long and fulfilling career to take the first step and at Rockpool we would be delighted to offer as much support as we can to assist with the success of this program,” she said.
Subscribe to our FREE daily news feed. All it requires is your name and email at the bottom of this article.
