Mackay’s annual jobs fair is kicking off at CQU, free attendance

An all-in jobs bonanza is kicking off in Mackay on April 16 thanks to co-operation between not-for-profit Ideal Placements, CQU and the Mackay Chamber of Commerce. DETAILS

Ideal Placements transition to work program helps students and young people join the workforce.

A chance for businesses to solve their labour shortages and new graduates to transition straight to work has arrived as Mackay hosts its second free-to-enter jobs fair.

Organised by not-for-profit Ideal Placements, the Mackay Chamber of Commerce and Central Queensland University, the fair will run at the CQU city campus from 10am Tuesday.

“I believe there’s a job for everyone,” Ideal Placements Employer Business Broker Scott McPherson said.

“Jobs are great for self-worth, they make you feel you’re contributing to society.”

Geoff O'Connor, the Mackay Chamber of Commerce’s president has worked to get more businesses involved in this 2024s jobs fair.

“There’s plenty of jobs available,” said Mackay Chamber of Commerce president Geoff O’Connor.

“We believe students can’t see pathways for progression in a regional town sometimes.

“We want to highlight the local career opportunities and how good it can be to stay in Mackay.”

Presently there are over 1,800 SEEK listings for the Mackay and Coalfields region, while many of these are technical or specialised roles, others require minimal experience.

Ideal Placements runs transition to work programs for workers between the ages of 15 and 24 across the entire Greater Whitsundays and specialises in helping people with disabilities find work.

“Everyone deserves the opportunity to work regardless of circumstance,” Mr McPherson said.

Mackay based not for profit Ideal Placements is running a jobs fair for businesses and job seekers to meet and discover new opportunities.

Last year’s job fair was considered a great success by Mr McPherson as within 48 hours of the festivals conclusion several attending businesses had hired new workers.

“Personality doesn’t always come out over on a CV,” Mr McPherson said.

“This gives them the chance to meet future employers face-to-face.”

The jobs fair runs from 10am-1pm on April 16.