Education & Industry
Pathways & Opportunity
Working Together |
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| | | EVENTS FROM JANUARY - MARCH |
| | Visiting Experts Visiting Expert - Scientist Caitlin Dudley The Business Liaison Association was pleased to welcome visiting scientist Caitlin Dudley to Cairns from 9–12 March 2026. During her visit, Caitlin delivered engaging and informative sessions at several secondary schools, providing students with valuable insight into scientific careers and the real-world applications of their classroom learning. Caitlin presented at Bentley Park College, Cairns State High School, Good Counsel College, Gordonvale State High School and Trinity Bay State High School. Her presentations were exceptionally well received, with feedback highlighting her engaging delivery, ability to connect with students and thoughtful responses to their questions. Caitlin’s visit encouraged students to explore opportunities in science and consider the many pathways available within the field. |
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| | Aspire and DATTA Awards and Competitions The BLA continues to strengthen its suite of Education-Based Awards and Competitions, with all prospectuses currently undergoing a comprehensive review and update. This process ensures each competition remains relevant, aligned with current curriculum expectations, and reflective of industry needs. We are pleased to share that ten updated prospectuses are now available on our website. Schools, students, and teachers are encouraged to explore these opportunities and stay engaged as further updates are released throughout the year. Visit our awards page - BLA Awards & Competitions |
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Industry Breakfasts – JCU Careers in Health The JCU Careers in Health Breakfast, held on 5 March 2026, was a highly successful event which brought together students and industry professionals to explore pathways within the health sector. The event provided valuable exposure to a range of careers and highlighted the diverse opportunities available within the industry. Students heard from an experienced panel of professionals who shared their career journeys, insights into their fields, and advice on navigating post-school pathways. Feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive, with many highlighting the value of hearing how speakers overcame challenges and the inspiration gained from their experiences. Constructive feedback also identified opportunities to further enhance future events, including providing additional information on alternative entry pathways and bridging options for students who may not meet direct university entry requirements. Overall, the breakfast was a meaningful and impactful experience for all involved. A huge thank you to our panellists Dr Alex Dancyger – Senior Lecturer in Dentistry, James Cook University Beth Edwards – Medical Educator, Barrier Reef Medical & Royal Australian College of General Practitioners Jacob Smith – Occupational Therapist, Cairns Hospital Jason Christopher – Managing Director, Cairns Doctors and Specialists, ASN Cairns, and Wholelife Pharmacy on Barr Street Maddi Wright – Founder and Managing Director, i’ara Specialist Support Coordination Rachael Di Bella – Director and Speech Pathologist, Small Sprouts Therapy
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| | IMPORTANT DATES FOR YOUR DIARY |
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| Friday, 3 April 2026 | Good Friday Sunday, 5 April 2026 | Easter Sunday
Monday, 6 April 2026 | Easter Monday
Tuesday, 7 April 2026 | School Holidays Begin
Thursday, 16–Friday, 17 April 2026 | Staff Development Days
Monday, 20 April 2026 | Term 2 Starts
Wednesday, 22 April 2026 | My Career In Manufacturing Breakfast
Friday, 24 April 2026 | Interschool Mathematics Competition - Applications Due
Saturday, 25 April 2026 | Anzac Day
Wednesday, 29 April 2026 | Ergon Energy Site Visit - Session 1 [9.30 am–11.30 am]
Wednesday, 29 April 2026 | Ergon Energy Site Visit - Session 2 [12.30 pm–2.30 pm]
Thursday, 30 April 2026 | ECOMAN Competition - Applications Due
Thursday, 30 April 2026 | iEngage - Norweld [10.30 am–12.00 pm]
Monday, 4 May 2026 | Labour Day
Wednesday, 6 May 2026 | Interschool Mathematics Competition - Competition Date
Thursday, 7 May 2026 | iEngage - CSF [9.30 am–11.00 am]
Thursday, 7 May 2026 | Cairns Hardware Site Visit [8.00 am–12.00 pm]
Wednesday, 13 May 2026 | Salt House Restaurant Culinary Challenge - Applications Due
Monday, 18 May 2026 | Law Week Begins
Tuesday, 19–Friday, 22 May 2026 | Visiting Expert - Professor Anthony Gray
Wednesday, 20 May 2026 | BDO Big Day Out #1
Friday, 22 May 2026 | Cairns Show Association Billboard Competition - Applications Due
Friday, 22 May 2026 | Breakfast With The Law
Wednesday, 27 May 2026 | Salt House Restaurant Culinary Challenge - Ingredients List Due
Friday, 29 May 2026 | Ergon Energy Young Leaders Breakfast
Wednesday, 3 June 2026 | Cairns Careers Expo Welcome Function
Thursday, 4 June 2026 | Cairns Careers Expo
Wednesday, 10 June 2026 | Salt House Restaurant Culinary Challenge - Competition Date
Thursday, 11–Friday, 12 June 2026 | ECOMAN Competition
Monday, 15 June 2026 | Excellence In Visual Arts Awards - Applications Due
Thursday, 18 June 2026 | iEngage - Norweld [10.30 am–12.00 pm]
Friday, 19 June 2026 | Department Of Education Far North Literary Competition - Applications Due
Friday, 19 June 2026 | Mario Calanna North Queensland Speaking Competition - Applications Due
Friday, 19 June 2026 | Medical Sciences Awards - Applications Due
Monday, 22 June 2026 | Agricultural Futures Award - Applications Due
Saturday, 27 June 2026 | School Holidays Begin |
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| | OUR 2026 CORPORATE SPONSORS |
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BDO BDO'S BIG DAY OUT BDO Nth QLD hosts a "Big Day Out" in Cairns for students interested in careers in business, accounting and finance. The event, typically held in conjunction with the Business Liaison Association, offers networking, office tours, and insights from professionals. Date: Wednesday, 20 May 2026 Time: 9:30 am - 11:30 am
Location: BDO (Nth QLD), Cairns Corporate Tower, Level 1, 15 Lake Street, Cairns
Cost: Complimentary
For more information or to register your students, please refer to the flyer - BDO's Big Day Out May Flyer |
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Cairns Manufacturing Hub The Cairns Manufacturing Hub supports the growth and future of North Queensland’s manufacturing industry by connecting businesses, educators, and the community with training, innovation, and workforce development opportunities. Through strong collaborations with organisations including Manufacturing Skills Queensland (MSQ), Weld Australia, TAFE Queensland, and the Australian Industry Group (Ai Group), the Hub is delivering a wide range of skills development and training initiatives across the region. Current Training & Opportunities A variety of programs are now available or open for expressions of interest, including: Funded Safety & Short Courses (MSQ / WorkSafe Connect)
Including Confined Spaces, Work Safely at Heights, and other high-priority training. See attached flyer and further information - Safety & Short Courses Flyer
Leadership & Industry Development (MSQ / Ai Group) Leadership Excellence Series (funded for eligible participants) and FutureMap workshops, plus industry briefings on workplace relations changes. Register your interest - Registration link | Closes 25 June 2026.
Welding Pathways (TAFE Queensland)
Introduction to Welding courses in Cairns starting 22 April 2026 from 6 pm - 9 pm for 6 weeks, one night a week. Course cost is $600. For more information - Welding Pathways TAFE Queensland
Welding Certification Preparatory – Non Accredited for AS1796. Delivered in Cairns and Townsville. This will be a lead into the Welding Supervisor Training mentioned above. For more Information - Welding Certification Preparatory
Advanced Composites One Day Workshop (EOI)
This hands-on workshop provides participants with practical experience in advanced aerospace composites, including both monolithic and sandwich structures. Participants will develop skills directly applicable to modern manufacturing environments. This is a valuable opportunity for industry professionals, teachers, and students to gain exposure to advanced manufacturing techniques and emerging technologies. Please refer to the flyer for further details, including associated costs, and register your interest to be involved - Advanced Composites One Day Workshop flyer
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