General News
17 July, 2022
Health Care, Social Assistance employs 16.4% OF CAIRNS WORKFORCE
HEALTH has been identified as an industry of focus for the Cairns Regional Jobs Committee.
Latest job vacancy data has revealed that Health Care and Social Assistance is the largest employer in the Cairns region, prompting the RJC to give the sector new attention.
The RJC is hosted by the Cairns Chamber of Commerce and supported and funded by the Department of Employment, Small Business and Training. The RJC has been formed as part of the Queensland Government’s plan to work with all stakeholders to create more jobs, improve training pathways and raise investment in businesses and workforces.
The recent vacancy data shows an increasing demand for health-related skills and qualifications in the region. Clinical and allied health skills and qualifications are more in demand, both in hospitals and throughout the community.
Demand for skills and qualifications in the Health Care and Social Assistance sector, including allied health, are also driven by the NDIS and the presence of a diverse range of smaller employers.
“The committee brought together the Gateway to Industry School, Bentley Park College, CheckUp, the Department of Employment, Small Business and Training and industry professionals to take a focused look at the health industry and the gaps that exist in skilling our local workforce,” RJC Chair, Jodie Duignan-George said.
Bentley Park College offers students the opportunity to complete Certificate II and III in Health Support Services, with industry placement before they leave school. This pathway provides students with practical experience and the opportunity to have a job in the health industry while embarking on further studies into Certificate IV, Diploma or Bachelor Levels.
Businesses can attract and retain keen young staff before they graduate from high school and develop a productive, efficient, and motivated team. It also provides the opportunity for existing staff to upskill into leadership and mentoring roles.
“Employers will be able to train a young person part-time in their business with a view to becoming a fulltime employee once they complete their schooling and vocational training.”
CheckUP is a not-for-profit organisation working closely with Gateway to Industry Schools and partner organisations and health providers to support people looking for a pathway into Health Care and Social Assistance.
Through their current range of health programs and initiatives, CheckUP has an established footprint in 190 communities across Queensland, including Cairns.
The RJC is also addressing the challenges businesses face in the current employment market and is developing a series of free workshops for businesses addressing topics with a focus on ‘Recruitment Retention in the new normal’.
“The aim of these workshops is to provide businesses with support and confidence to manage their recruitment process in an agile environment and retain their staff with the changing expectations of the existing workforce,” Ms DuignanGeorge said.
