Grow Your Own Regional Workforce Program
As an outcome of the first Action Plan (2022-2025) under the Good people. Good jobs: Queensland Workforce Strategy 2022-2032, Jobs Queensland is partnering with regions to develop workforce plans and/or initiatives to support “grow your own” (GYO) workforces and cross-sector skills development.
The 'Grow Your Own' (GYO) Regional Workforce Program enables key local stakeholders and industry representatives to identify workforce needs and plan what skills are required to meet the needs of their sector and support their region’s economic goals. It’s all about using local workforce approaches, connected to local economic opportunities.
On this page
- Far North Queensland
- North Queensland region
- South-East Queensland
- North Coast
- Central Queensland
- Metro
- Darling Downs South West
Far North Queensland region
Queensland’s water industry plays a vital role in supporting all water users—households, agriculture, business, and industry alike. The water sector directly affects the Queensland economy and provides essential environmental services that include managing catchments, dams, stormwater and effluent discharges.
Far North Queensland Regional Water Capability Plan
In partnership with Far North Queensland Regional Organisation of Councils (FNQROC) and Queensland Water, the FNQROC Regional Water Capability Plan identifies opportunities for member councils to improve capability in the areas of people, systems, data and processes.
It provides scalable and strategic initiatives to attract, retain, reskill and upskill both the current and future workforces, who are pivotal to the delivery of a safe and consistent water supply.
 Far North Queensland regional water capability plan (PDF, 4.5MB) (Published 13 March 2025) |  Summary of the Far North Queensland regional water capability plan (PDF, 720KB) (Published 13 March 2025) |
The Cairns maritime and marine sector supports an estimated 4,600 jobs and is set to benefit from a new workforce plan aimed at meeting the growing need for skilled workers in the region. The Port of Cairns services about 15% of Australian registered vessels and 80% of North Queensland vessels more than 15 metres, as well as international vessels.
The Cairns region hosts a vibrant and resilient aviation and aerospace industry comprising of more than 76 local businesses. As a major hub for the industry across the Asia-Pacific region, the industry is projected to grow up to 27.3% by 2026.
This project worked with local maritime, marine and aviation industry leaders to identify local workforce challenges and opportunities and support the industry to ‘grow their own’ regional workforce to meet current and future needs.
Environmental scan and workforce plan
The development of a workforce plan was an important step in ensuring the region remains competitive and local workers have access to the training they need to live and work locally.
Cairns maritime and marine industry environmental scan (PDF, 5.47MB) |
Cairns region workforce development plan) (PDF, 2.2MB |
To address an action within the Cairns Region Workforce Development Plan, Jobs Queensland funded local provider Business Liaison Association to provide industry tours in the aviation, maritime and marine industries for students.
Through the iEngage Student Industry Engagement Program, students are able to experience the latest in manufacturing technologies and innovations through onsite visits to 5 businesses in Cairns, observing daily operations, and discuss career opportunities available in the region.
Find more information on the iEngage Program.
Jobs Queensland partnered with the Cairns Aviation Skills Centre (CASC) to development a Composite Materials Skills Course as a non-accredited foundational pathway that leads into Composite Repair Techniques. A first for the region, the course delivers on an action within the Cairns Region Workforce Development Plan calling for cross-industry skills for both the aviation and marine and maritime industries.
Upskilling existing staff from both industries provides the region with opportunity to repair aviation and marine vessels locally using advanced composite materials for the first time.
A locally based trainer successfully completed the training to increase local offerings in the years to come.
Connect with the Cairns Aviation Skills Centre about their other upcoming training.
Jobs Queensland has partnered with the Aged and Community Care Providers Association to develop a workforce plan for the aged-care sector in Far North Queensland during 2025 (currently underway).
As a direct result of an ageing population, chronic disease, disability and mental health challenges, the aged care sector in Far North Queensland is facing critical workforce shortages.
The industry-led workforce plan:
- aims to outline short-to-medium and longer-term strategies to develop a skills workforce capable of meeting the growing demand
- is anticipated to be completed late 2025, following extensive research and in-region industry consultation.
To be involved in upcoming consultation in the region, connect with ACCPA.
The Skills enhancement for security professionals course has been designed by security industry representatives through a partnership between Australian Security Industry Association Limited (ASIAL) and Jobs Queensland. It is delivered on-site in Cairns and Townsville with an online, flexible delivery option for other regions.
Aligned with the Queensland Security Industry Workforce Development Plan, the course provides a free upskilling opportunity for existing Queensland licenced security officers in essential skills such as conflict resolution, de-escalation techniques, strategic problem solving, customer service and effective communication skills to strengthen and support the industry in the lead up to delivery of the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Find more information about the Skills enhancement for security professionals course.
Based on Jobs Queensland’s Workforce Planning for Regions Guide and resources, the nation-leading Workforce Planning for Regions Micro-credential was developed and delivered through a partnership with the Local Government Association of Queensland and University of Sunshine Coast.
Tailored to the unique needs of Queensland’s local government and regional stakeholders, the course assists anyone interested in learning the fundamentals of developing a regional workforce plan. The course delivers on topics such as:
- creating reports by applying data
- leading industry and community consultation
- developing the report.
Find more information on how to express an interest in the next intake.
North Queensland region
The Skills enhancement for Security professionals’ course is also available in North Queensland.
Find more information about the Skills enhancement for security professionals course.
Queensland Trucking Association, in collaboration with Jobs Queensland, developed and delivered a pre-apprenticeship program to support local jobseekers and existing transport workers to enter or upskill into a higher licensing class in the transport and logistics sector.
With a key focus on diversity and attraction into the various career pathways the transport and logistics industry has to offer, participants were supported to develop the core skills required to successfully work within supply chain, warehousing and driver operations roles. Accredited units across the Certificate III in Driving Operations and Certificate III in Supply Chain qualifications created an accelerated pathway into future training like the heavy-vehicle apprenticeship or the supply-chain traineeship programs.
For more information about the outcomes of the project visit the Queensland Trucking Association website.
Based on Jobs Queensland’s Workforce Planning for Regions Guide and resources, the nation-leading Workforce Planning for Regions Micro-credential was developed and delivered through a partnership with the Local Government Association of Queensland and University of Sunshine Coast.
Tailored to the unique needs of Queensland’s local government and regional stakeholders, the course assists anyone interested in learning the fundamentals of developing a regional workforce plan. The course delivers on topics such as:
- creating reports by applying data
- leading industry and community consultation
- developing the report.
Find more information on how to express an interest in the next intake.
South-East Queensland
As a deliverable within the Active Industry Workforce Plan 2024, Jobs Queensland has partnered with Active Queenslanders Industry Alliance (AQIA) to promote the active industry as a career of choice to school students and their parents with a focus on the Logan region.
Through tailored resources and promotion via social media, print materials and face-to-face events such as school and local career expos, the project aims to provide information directly to students about the variety of entry pathways into the active industry.
For more information, contact Active Queenslanders Industry Alliance.
Based on Jobs Queensland’s Workforce Planning for Regions Guide and resources, the nation-leading Workforce Planning for Regions Micro-credential was developed and delivered through a partnership with the Local Government Association of Queensland and University of Sunshine Coast.
Tailored to the unique needs of Queensland’s local government and regional stakeholders, the course assists anyone interested in learning the fundamentals of developing a regional workforce plan. The course delivers on topics such as:
- creating reports by applying data
- leading industry and community consultation
- developing the report.
Find more information on how to express an interest in the next intake.
North Coast region
Queensland’s forest and timber industry is the state’s third most valuable agricultural processing industry contributing an estimated $3.8 billion to the Queensland economy.
Environmental scan and workforce plan
In partnership with Timber Queensland, this project worked with key industry stakeholders to understand workforce needs and develop a workforce plan that reflects net-zero emissions targets and the use of transformative technology. The workforce plan helps retain and upskill the existing workforce and attract new entrants to the industry.
This project provides local employment opportunities for the region and helps build capacity to support the industry now and into the future.
As a key deliverable of this workforce planning project, an industry and region environmental scan was developed to provide an evidence base prior to consultation activities in November 2023.
Wide Bay forestry environmental scan (PDF, 2.5MB) |
Wide Bay forest and timber industry workforce development plan (PDF, 2.5MB) |
There are an estimated 1,139 direct jobs in Bundaberg’s food product and beverage manufacturing sector. The local food and beverage manufacturing industry plays a vital role in the region’s economy, contributing $686 million.
Environmental scan and workforce plan
In partnership with Bundaberg Fruit and Vegetable Growers (BFVG), Jobs Queensland worked with key industry employers to develop a workforce plan for the Bundaberg food and beverage manufacturing sector.
The workforce plan addresses gaps and provides real and tangible outcomes for employers to support their workforce needs and provide local employment opportunities for the region.
Bundaberg food and beverage manufacturing environmental scan (PDF, 2MB) |
Wide Bay food and beverage manufacturing industry workforce development plan (PDF, 2.3MB) |
Embracing the unique spirit of the Sunshine Coast, this place-based games and skills development program offered a holistic approach to promote participant health and wellbeing while gaining invaluable business skills.
Going beyond traditional training, the program fostered an inclusive environment to promote the diversity of practitioners in the games-development industry through a series of tailored programs.
Delivered from March to 31 May 2025, Screen Queensland worked in collaboration with industry leaders and training organisations to elevate the skills of local games developers through the 4-month series of interconnected events involving:
- workshops, panels and mentoring sessions
- networking events
- a games jam (3-day event).
Topics included:
- games development
- game design/narrative
- programming
- games business/production
- personal development for creative professionals centred on mental health.
For more information about this and future programs, contact Screen Queensland.
As an additional output of the partnership between Screen Queensland and Jobs Queensland, a Sunshine Coast region workforce insights report (PDF, 5.1MB) has been developed.
The Sunshine Coast’s screen and digital games ecosystem has demonstrated its ability to continually upskill, evolve and create globally competitive jobs for the future. Through creativity, innovation and intellectual property (IP) creation, essential international relationships are being established to support growing export opportunities and attract international investment to Queensland and the Sunshine Coast.
Delivery of this industry-endorsed workforce insights report will inform future planning discussions with an aim to create clear direction on how to develop career pathways and opportunities for individuals to gain the skills needed to thrive on the international stage, and to build business capability for local businesses to grow in an increasingly global market.
Read the Sunshine Coast region workforce insights report (PDF, 5.1MB).
Based on Jobs Queensland’s Workforce Planning for Regions Guide and resources, the nation-leading Workforce Planning for Regions Micro-credential was developed and delivered through a partnership with the Local Government Association of Queensland and University of Sunshine Coast.
Tailored to the unique needs of Queensland’s local government and regional stakeholders, the course assists anyone interested in learning the fundamentals of developing a regional workforce plan. The course delivers on topics such as:
- creating reports by applying data
- leading industry and community consultation
- developing the report.
Find more information on how to express an interest in the next intake.
Central Queensland region
Greater Whitsunday Alliance (GW3) and Jobs Queensland have joined forces to address a recommendation within the Greater Whitsunday Workforce Development Playbook to uplift the digital skills of local small business operators through one-on-one digital skills training and masterclasses.
Through intensive mentoring and ongoing support for digital adaptation of business operations, integration of digital technology and skills and the innovative region-specific training program, small businesses regionwide will be empowered to begin their digital transformation journey and address workforce challenges locally.
Find out more about the Greater Whitsunday Digital Skills Program.
Jobs Queensland in collaboration with Central Western Queensland Remote Area Planning and Development Board (RAPAD) is supporting the flourishing arts, tourism and creative industries in outback Queensland through development of a workforce development plan.
This project will work with in-region industry leaders to identify local workforce challenges and opportunities to support the industry to ‘grow their own’ regional workforce to meet current and future needs.
The development of this workforce plan offers a valuable opportunity to support homegrown talent to capitalise on the region’s growth, align with local government priorities and provide a roadmap to strengthen and diversify the region’s economy and further enhance opportunity for local talent to live and work locally.
It is anticipated industry- consultation will occur during July 2025. To be involved and to learn more about the project, contact RAPAD.
Central Highlands Development Corporation, with the support of Jobs Queensland is exploring the childcare challenges and future opportunities of Queensland Central Highlands.
The project aims to build community awareness on the importance of a strong, sustainable Early Childhood and Education sector while enhancing workforce retention rates. By improving professional development and maximizing the use of facilities, operational efficiencies and educator shortages and challenges may improve locally.
Consultation with local childcare providers and community is underway.
To be involved, contact Central Highlands Development Corporation.
Central Queensland Region of Councils (CQROC) has partnered with Jobs Queensland to develop a workforce plan to support the future of Manufacturing in their region, focusing on the future opportunities of Clean Energy, Construction, Defence and Food, the region is primed to thrive with a future ready workforce ready to meet the challenge.
The workforce plan will reinforce the manufacturing industry across Central Queensland and capture industry-led recommendations to address identified workforce challenges. Consultation with industry and community leaders is currently underway.
To be involved, contact Central Queensland Region of Councils.
Based on Jobs Queensland’s Workforce Planning for Regions Guide and resources, the nation-leading Workforce Planning for Regions Micro-credential was developed and delivered through a partnership with the Local Government Association of Queensland and University of Sunshine Coast.
Tailored to the unique needs of Queensland’s local government and regional stakeholders, the course assists anyone interested in learning the fundamentals of developing a regional workforce plan. The course delivers on topics such as:
- creating reports by applying data
- leading industry and community consultation
- developing the report.
Find more information on how to express an interest in the next intake.
Metro region
Based on Jobs Queensland’s Workforce Planning for Regions Guide and resources, the nation-leading Workforce Planning for Regions Micro-credential was developed and delivered through a partnership with the Local Government Association of Queensland and University of Sunshine Coast.
Tailored to the unique needs of Queensland’s local government and regional stakeholders, the course assists anyone interested in learning the fundamentals of developing a regional workforce plan. The course delivers on topics such as:
- creating reports by applying data
- leading industry and community consultation
- developing the report.
Find more information on how to express an interest in the next intake.
Darling Downs South West region
Jobs Queensland and the Queensland Fruit and Vegetable Growers have partnered to deliver on a recommendation within the Queensland Agriculture Workforce Development Plan to engage agriculture employers through face-to-face, tailored cultural awareness training.
The Agri-Connect training program aims to assist employers with recruitment and retention challenges, build cultural competence and develop strategies to create a diverse, equitable and inclusive workforce which supports local migrant workers enter the local labour market.
For more information or to become involved, contact Queensland Fruit and Vegetable Growers:
Website: Queensland Fruit and Vegetable Growers
Phone: (07) 3620 3844
Email: qfvg@qfvg.com.au
Jobs Queensland is collaborating with Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise (TSBE) to deliver a strategic workforce development plan for the Toowoomba region’s health care sector.
As a major regional hub, Toowoomba supports a population of over 350,000 people through three key hospitals the region's health sector is navigating workforce shortages and evolving skills needs, that are further compounded by an ageing population and the anticipated expansion of health services in 2027.
Anticipated for completion late 2025, the Toowoomba Region Health Care Workforce Development Plan aims to take a forward-looking approach to identify critical workforce trends, highlight emerging opportunities, and inform strategic solutions that support a resilient and sustainable health workforce for the region.
For more information, contact TSBE:
Website: Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise (TSBE)
Phone: (07) 4639 4600
Email: info@tsbe.com.au
Jobs Queensland has partnered with Queensland Country Tourism to deliver a workforce plan to address the unique needs of the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail (BVRT) workforce. This initiative focuses on developing a tailored workforce plan for the tourism sector to:
- address critical workforce shortages
- respond to seasonal workforce dynamics
- improving retention
- ultimately enhance the visitor experience along the trail.
A draft environmental scan (e-scan) is currently underway and will inform stakeholder consultation. These insights will underpin the development of a comprehensive workforce plan.
With anticipated completion late 2025, the BVRT Tourism Workforce Development Plan will set a strategic pathway forward for strengthening the regions tourism workforce by aligning future skills demand with local potential, supporting sustainable employment pathways and fostering industry growth along the 161km Brisbane Valley Rail Trail.
For more information, contact Queensland Country Tourism:
Website: Queensland Country Tourism
Phone: (07) 4632 1988
Email: enquiries@queenslandcountrytourism.com.au
Roma Commerce and Tourism (RCAT) is working with Jobs Queensland to develop a workforce plan for the Maranoa Region.
The region is facing challenges that include evolving industry needs and a declining population, underscoring the urgent need for a strategic workforce plan to secure the region’s economic stability.
Maranoa’s 3 largest employing sectors, namely the resources support services, health and community services and retail, stand to benefit the most from this coordinated approach to workforce planning as these industries have common transferrable skills.
RCAT has established their industry advisory group, defined the scope of the workforce plan and are well underway with the development of an environmental scan.
The Maranoa Region Workforce Development Plan is anticipated to be complete toward the end of 2025.
For more information and to become involved, connect with RCAT:
Website: Roma Commerce and Tourism
Phone: 0418 765 306
Email: info@rcat.org.au
Based on Jobs Queensland’s Workforce Planning for Regions Guide and resources, the nation-leading Workforce Planning for Regions Micro-credential was developed and delivered through a partnership with the Local Government Association of Queensland and University of Sunshine Coast.
Tailored to the unique needs of Queensland’s local government and regional stakeholders, the course assists anyone interested in learning the fundamentals of developing a regional workforce plan. The course delivers on topics such as:
- creating reports by applying data
- leading industry and community consultation
- developing the report.
Find more information on how to express an interest in the next intake.