Almost 2000 jobs in Cairns region on offer
A number of Cairns businesses said they are unable to find enough interested and skilled workers as almost 2000 jobs remain vacant across the region.
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FAR North employers are in desperation mode, with a whopping 2000 vacancies to fill across the region and a crucial skills shortage intensifying their plight.
Hundreds of job vacancies are on offer with a massive range of professions and employers offering huge opportunities for workers across the Far North.
According to new data, as of mid-February, there were 1865 job vacancies listed on Seek alone for the Cairns and Far North region, with trades and services roles leading the charge with 326 jobs available.in the areas of automotive and electrical experts in high demand.
Roles in the healthcare and medical fields were next with 280 vacancies while hospitality and tourism was a close third with 220 roles, many of them in the kitchen for chefs and cooks.
At Cairns engineering and marine firm, NQEA machine shop manager, John Bohle, 64, has been on the tools for nearly 50 years and he said there’s not nearly enough qualified tradespeople in the region.
At the moment NQEA is advertising for someone with good machinery skills.
“I have been a supervisor here for 18 years and we are actively looking for a CNC Machinist, but there’s a severe lack of people available to work in metal work trades,” he said.
“If I could see a third year apprentice with experience on machines then we consider this application.
“We currently have two apprentices, one in his 20s and other in his 30s.”
Top End Consulting director Edward Karras said the opening of international borders will be warmly welcomed by employers and recruiters.
“Right now it seems like there a vibrancy of work,” he said.
“I feel the number of jobs available has not changed but the number of transient workers like international students and backpackers is amassing cohort of labour.”
Mr Karras said the lack of transient workers means competition is rife for those who are available.
“What is left includes the long-term unemployed and people who have a sincere reason for not being able to work,” he said.
“I think it will take a good 12 to 18 months for things to get back to normal.”
TAFE Queensland acting general manager (north region) Phil Williams said the technical trades remain in high demand across the region.
“At TAFE Queensland we work with local employers to ensure we continue to supply a pipeline of skilled workers to meet the demands of industry,” he said.
“Among the most popular courses in semester one 2022 at the TAFE Queensland Cairns campus are apprenticeship qualifications such as electrotechnology electrician, engineering mechanical trade, engineering fabrication trade, plumbing, hairdressing, and airconditioning and refrigeration.
“Community and health courses are also popular, with strong enrolments in health administration, mental health, individual support, community services and nursing.”
Mr Williams said other qualifications in early childhood education and care, education support and work health and safety are also popular this semester.
“A number of these study areas are covered by free or low cost training under the Queensland
Government’s JobTrainer funding initiative or free apprenticeships for under 25s.” he said.
“If you’ve recently finished high school, are looking for work, or want to re-skill or upskill in an in-demand industry, you may be eligible to get qualified for less or even free.”
To find out more about funded training opportunities visit www.tafeqld.edu.au or call 1300 308 233.
Cairns Top 10 Professions In Demand*
1. State government – 101 (across all classifications)
2. Aged & disability support – 57
3. Admin assistants – 57
4. Automotive – 56
5. Chefs/ cooks – 58
6. Retail assistants – 47
7. Childcare/ Out of hours care – 40
8. Aged Care nurses – 39
9. Electricians – 38
10. Physio/ OT and rehabilitation – 37
*Seek
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Originally published as Almost 2000 jobs in Cairns region on offer
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