Construction Career Match
The Construction Career Match event connects construction employers with motivated individuals looking to begin their careers in the industry.
Whether you're an employer searching for apprentices, trainees or entry-level workers, or a future employee wanting to meet potential employers and explore career opportunities, this event provides the perfect opportunity to build connections and discover what's available across the construction sector.
Event Details - click here to view flyer
Date: Monday 17 August 2026
Time: 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Venue: Cairns Regional Council Reception Room
Cost: Free (Refreshments provided)
Who Should Attend?
These free events are ideal for:
Together, these events aim to strengthen local workforce pathways, build industry connections and create opportunities for both employers and future workers.
Cairns Employment Region Update – August 2026
The August 2026 Cairns Employment Region Update brings together a wide range of employment, training, career development and workforce opportunities available across Cairns and Far North Queensland.
Despite ongoing economic challenges, employment across the region remains strong, with relatively low unemployment and continued demand for workers in key sectors including health care, construction and tourism. Local organisations, employers, training providers and government programs also continue to work together to strengthen pathways into education, training and employment.
There is a busy calendar of career and industry events throughout August, including school careers expos, the Construction Career Match on 17 August, the Marine Futures Mini Schools Expo on 28 August and the Cairns Maritime Jobs & Careers Expo on 29 August.
The Maritime Expo will connect participants directly with employers and showcase jobs, apprenticeships, traineeships and career pathways across defence, superyachts, manufacturing, marine tourism, Australian Border Force and supporting supply-chain industries. The Mini Schools Expo will be held on Friday, 28 August from 11.30 am to 1.00 pm, with the main Expo on Saturday, 29 August from 9.00 am to 1.00 pm.
A number of valuable training opportunities are also available. STEPS is offering free Skills for Education and Employment night classes in Cairns City, supporting eligible participants with literacy, numeracy, digital skills and English language development.
Other opportunities include free battery training for the energy workforce, First Aid training, welding certification preparation and heavily subsidised computer-aided manufacturing training.
New measures are also supporting apprenticeships and workforce development. The Queensland Government has announced initiatives aimed at supporting 4,500 construction apprentices, while providing financial incentives and wage subsidies to employers. These initiatives are designed to address workforce shortages while creating more pathways into careers across construction, plumbing, engineering and electrical trades.
Useful links:
Businesses and community organisations can also explore a range of current funding opportunities. These include Drought Preparedness Grants of up to $50,000, Regional Arts Development Fund grants of up to $5,000, tourism capability subsidies and other community and small-business funding programs.
For students, parents, teachers and job seekers, Energy Skills Queensland’s Spark Your Future Career Guide Series also provides useful information about career pathways across electricity, renewable energy, telecommunications, battery storage, hydrogen, wind, solar, water and other industries.
View the full August 2026 Cairns Employment Region Update for more information on current vacancies, training, events, grants and workforce opportunities throughout Far North Queensland.