A new health-focused careers expo has begun in Rockhampton today, with the support of Rockhampton Regional Council and its lead economic development agency, Advance Rockhampton.
The CQ Health Expo is being held from 20-21 June at CQUniversity, delivered through a partnership between the Regional Medical Pathway program and Advance Rockhampton. Beginning with a student day and continuing with a community open day tomorrow, the event highlights the wealth of career pathways for school-leavers and jobseekers entering the health and aged care sectors.
Council has provided $5,000 in sponsorship for the inaugural event as well as in-kind assistance.
Rockhampton Region Mayor Tony Williams said growing the local health workforce is critical for the Region's success.
"Healthcare and social assistance is already Rockhampton's largest employment industry, supporting more than 9,000 local jobs according to the National Institute of Economic and Industry Research," Mayor Williams said.
"As our population grows, empowering young people and the broader community to take up a career in health is vital for maintaining the lifestyle we've come to enjoy in Rockhampton.
"We're proud to be partnering with The University of Queensland (UQ), CQUniversity and CQ Health to bring the CQ Health Expo to life and demonstrate the vast range of well-paying and secure jobs available within the heath sector."
Jobs Queensland data estimates an additional 2,250 jobs in health and welfare services will be created across Central Queensland by 2028.
UQ Rural Clinical School Director, Professor Riitta Partanen has been part of the Regional Medical Pathway since its inception and said the opportunity to study medicine in regional Queensland is a game changer, that is set to improve the future of health workforce and the educational opportunities for local youth.
"Our research shows the longer students stay and learn in our regional centres, the more likely they are to choose career pathways in similar surroundings," Dr Partanen said.
"The opportunities, post medical school in Central Queensland are plentiful; with career pathways in hospitals, general practice, aeromedical retrievals, paramedicine, dentistry, specialist healthcare and more.
"Through the CQ Health Expo and Regional Medical Pathway program, we're looking to connect with those looking to support their community so we can assist them to train and work right here in CQ."
Advance Rockhampton Economic Development Manager, Wade Clark, said the expo is a chance for young people to consider the range of job and training options in their backyard.
"Those who train locally tend to work locally, which is why partnering with the CQ Health Expo is so important," Mr Clark said.
"We're fortunate to live in a beautiful and thriving Region, and cementing future employment pathways is essential in supporting and maintaining passionate young people and ensuring the people of Rockhampton continue to have access to quality health and aged care where they live."
Entry to tomorrow's CQ Health Expo Community Day is free. Doors open from 9am to midday at the CQUniversity Library (Building 10) at the North Rockhampton campus.
