Employment outcomes and achievements have been celebrated at the Future Pathways Forum, supported by Rockhampton Regional Council's lead economic development agency, Advance Rockhampton.
Previously known as the Capricornia Secondary Schools Industry Breakfast, the Future Pathways Forum acts as a conduit between Central Queensland high-schools, industry, business and Government agencies. Established in 2024, the Future Pathways Working Group aims to improve training and jobs pathways between education and employers, to assist in the retention of local talent.
In the 12 months since its launch, the Future Pathways Working Group has:
- Grown to include 12 secondary school members across the public and private sectors from Rockhampton, Mount Morgan and Yeppoon
- Developed a business register to allowing schools to directly connect with employers
- Produced a series of promotional videos to highlight employment and career opportunities in growth industries
- Delivered the Student & Business Connect event to connect young people with business representatives
- Shared innovative solutions to connect student learning with local career opportunities.
Rockhampton Region Mayor Tony Williams said the Future Pathways Forum demonstrates the value of engaging with local students.
"With a diverse and growing economy comes a variety of training and career opportunities for school-leavers which can be achieved right here in the Rockhampton Region," Mayor Williams said.
"Council's support of education and employment engagements has given Advance Rockhampton a platform to engage with almost 2,000 students already this year, showing them what can be achieved in our Region.
"We've also delivered the Live Rockhampton campaign to assist in workforce attraction and retention, and tomorrow night we'll host a dedicated Workforce Attraction & Retention Workshop with the assistance of Business Chamber Queensland.
"Council and Advance Rockhampton are backing employers to build their workforce, and young people and job seekers to seize the opportunities available in our backyard."
Capricornia School of Distance Education Deputy Principal Desolee Cowley said this year's forum builds on achievements from the last 12 months.
"Today's keynote speaker, Simon Kuestenmacher from the Demographics Group, provided data and analysis on our future workforce requirements to around 150 education and business professionals," Ms Cowley said.
"From the data we expect to see local job growth continue, so our efforts to connect students with those roles will also continue."
"The Future Pathways Working Group has made significant progress since its launch in May 2024, and we're continually looking at new ways for students to find their dream job in Central Queensland."
Advance Rockhampton Economic Development Manager, Wade Clark, said workforce attraction and retention is a priority for Council.
"By building connections and improving local training opportunities, whether through work experience, apprenticeships, vocational or tertiary education, Advance Rockhampton and its partners are keeping our brightest talent and future leaders right here in Rockhampton," Mr Clark said.
"The passion young people hold for the future of our region has been proudly on display at our engagements and Advance Rockhampton is doing its part to support them in building a successful and rewarding career which supports future economic growth."
Council provided sponsorship and in-kind support for the Future Pathways Forum and is an active member of the Working Group.
