Business
22 August, 2025
Careers take-off
Airport and council offer 473 jobs at special hands-on expos
CAIRNS Airport and Cairns Regional Council are hosting special events to highlight the hundreds of jobs on offer at both organisations.
A raft of 450 job opportunities will be showcased at the airport next weekend as local aviation training and employment pathways soar to meet national industry demand.
Thousands are expected to attend Cairns Airport Careers Day on Sunday, August 31, a free annual event combining a range of industry displays and sessions with fun, family-friendly activities.
While on Tuesday, September 2, Cairns Regional Council hosts its first careers fair.
About 450 jobs will be available following this year’s airport careers day, including, and not limited, to aircraft engineers, trade assistants, pilots, security, baggage handling and customer service roles.
Reigning Red Bull Air Race world champion Matt Hall will attend for the second time, greeting fans with his cutting-edge aircraft on display. Attendees will go in the draw to win a joy flight with the Matt Hall Racing team, a rare opportunity to experience thrilling aerobatics from within the cockpit. The winner will be announced on the day.
“I’ve spent my entire life in the air, from combat missions to high-speed air racing and the one thing I’ve learned is that aviation is more than a job – it’s a passion and a community,” Mr Hall said.
“Events like Cairns Airport careers day are the perfect way for people of all ages to find a pathway in aviation,” he said.
“There’s never been a better time to explore a career in our industry.”
More than 20 employers will take part, including Australian Federal Police, Cairns Airport, Leidos, Australian Border Force, Qantas and Nautilus Aviation.
Aviation Australia North Queensland business manager Chris Pigott said exhibitors would provide information about job vacancies, career pathways, industry courses and traineeships.
“Cairns is truly leading the charge when it comes to national aviation training and employment,” he said.
“We recently launched an Australia-first aviation program in partnership with the FNQ Vocational Academy, which will equip school leavers with practical, job-ready skills for vital airport roles and the fast-growing drone operations field.
“Separately, our local trade cadetship program is successfully fast-tracking apprentices to become licenced aircraft maintenance engineers (LAMEs), a specialist career facing national skill shortages. The industry is growing and there is an opportunity here for everyone.”
Cairns Airport also recently launched a range of hands-on employment and education initiatives, including a 12-month traineeship program, university scholarship opportunities and pathways for internships and graduates.
The aviation industry should reflect the diverse communities it serves, Cairns Airport chief executive officer Richard Barker said.
“Cairns Airport Careers Day is an ideal way to see how a role in aviation could be a great fit for you,” he said.
The careers day is on Sunday, August 31 from 9am until 12pm at the general aviation precinct with free parking, aircraft and airport vehicle displays and fun with Australian Border Force dogs.
Matt Hall will perform an aerobatic display over the Cairns Esplanade on Saturday, August 30 between 4.30pm-5.15pm, before the Cairns Festival grand parade. The flight will be visible anywhere along the Cairns Esplanade.
The inaugural council careers fair is on Tuesday, September 2, bringing together job seekers, students and professionals to explore career opportunities at Cairns Regional Council.
A council spokeswoman said the fair would showcase the diverse employment opportunities and pathways available in local government and highlighted why the council offered a rewarding career.
“Attendees can hear from staff who have built long-lasting careers, meet hiring managers, learn about employee benefits, discover current vacancies and gain first-hand insight into what it’s like to work with (the) council,” she said.
“The event also marks the launch of round one of the 2026 apprenticeship and traineeship intake, an exciting opportunity for motivated individuals to start their career journey through apprenticeships and traineeships in (the) council.”
As part of round one of the traineeship and apprenticeship intake, there are 10 roles being released including three Certificate 3 in Business traineeships (including one school based), one fitting and turner apprenticeship, four electrical apprenticeships and two horticultural apprenticeships.
There are currently 13 vacancies at the council, ranging from a senior engineer to a casual theatre technician.
The fair is from 4.30pm-6.30pm at the council civic reception rooms, ground floor, 119-145 Spence St, Portsmith. To register, visit https://bit.ly/4mMRjqv
For more about the airport careers day visit https://bit.ly/4mRf4hl
