Cairns Targets Skills Growth in Aviation and Maritime Industries

Cairns is focusing on strategic workforce development to bolster its aviation and maritime sectors, with a new regional plan designed to address persistent recruitment hurdles. The Cairns Region Workforce Development Plan, which was released in June 2024, establishes 37 specific actions aimed at stabilizing the local job market and aligning skill sets with the needs of these primary growth industries.

Addressing Workforce Shortages

The local economy has faced significant challenges due to acute workforce and skills shortages. As of October 2022, the region recorded unemployment at a historic low of 4.1%. This tight labor market has made the recruitment and retention of skilled staff a primary constraint for many businesses operating in the city. To mitigate these pressures, authorities are prioritizing targeted education and training pathways to ensure local workers can fill vacancies within high-growth sectors.

Growth in Aviation and Maritime Sectors

Projections indicate a substantial increase in staffing needs for the regional economy over the coming years. The aviation sector is expected to require an additional 538 workers by June 2026, representing a 20.9% increase since the 2021-22 period. Simultaneously, the maritime and marine industries are set to expand their workforce by 873 employees, reflecting a 7.8% increase for that sector. These figures underscore the necessity of the current workforce planning initiatives to ensure employers have access to a qualified talent pool.

Support Programs and Micro-Credentialing

Several initiatives have been launched to support this workforce transition. The Grow Your Own Regional Workforce Program provides $4.5 million in funding as part of a three-year strategy. This initiative supports up to 20 locally-led workforce planning projects, allowing businesses and organizations to tailor their training and recruitment strategies to specific local requirements.

Furthermore, the Micro-credentialing Program has been implemented to accelerate the delivery of critical skills. Within Cairns, 17 state-wide projects have received grants of up to $250,000 each. These efforts are expected to assist up to 7,525 Queenslanders in gaining priority skills necessary for local employment. These programs serve as the framework for long-term labor stability, providing residents with access to specialized training that is directly aligned with the evolving requirements of the city’s major maritime and aviation employers.

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