As hundreds of Year 12 students celebrate their final weeks of schooling, Rockhampton Regional Council's lead economic development agency, Advance Rockhampton, has launched a range of resources to encourage the next generation to explore the wealth of career and education pathways in their own backyard.
An additional 6,600 new jobs will be waiting for the perfect candidates over the next two to three years spanning industries such as healthcare, professional services, agriculture, mining and resources, manufacturing, defence, transport and more.
This exciting period of growth offers school leavers the chance to shape their future locally through trade or tertiary education, while helping to build the next chapter of the Rockhampton Region.
To promote these opportunities, Advance Rockhampton has developed the Launch Your Local Career campaign which includes a:
- Skills Videos series which schools and employers can use to promote career pathways in targeted industries including health, education, civil construction, resources, agriculture and aviation;
- 'Myth busting' Live Rockhampton blog to combat common misconceptions, demonstrate training and educational pathways in the Region and show careers which often have higher salaries in regional areas than capital cities;
- Social media campaign aimed at recent school leavers and parents, encouraging discussions around careers in our community;
- Downloadable social media assets for use by local businesses and training providers.
Advance Rockhampton's 2025 Economic Development Survey found the availability of skilled workers was the third largest challenge facing local businesses, while ABS data shows 18-to-24 year olds make up almost a third of residents who move from Rockhampton to Brisbane.
The campaign is the latest in a series of initiatives from Advance Rockhampton to improve workforce retention which have included careers expos, membership on jobs and skills committees, facilitating educational site visits, conversations around attracting regional training programs and connecting educators with local businesses.
To view campaign assets, visit http://liverockhampton.com.au/launch-local
Quotes attributable to Rockhampton Region Mayor, Tony Williams
"There's a great myth that school-leavers need to go to the South East to earn a degree and find a career, but that's no longer true for many of our young people in today's connected society.
"Whether it's through our world-class CQUniversity, initiatives like the Regional Medical Pathway Program, apprenticeships or online learning, it's never been easier to gain qualifications while still enjoying the fantastic lifestyle we have in the Rockhampton Region.
"Many skilled roles pay higher salaries in regional areas which, combined with more affordable housing than the city, means more money in your pocket and more opportunities to enjoy our stunning environments and attractions.
"With thousands of jobs on the horizon, we want young people to know that this is a great place to learn, grow and thrive professionally."
Quotes attributable to Emmaus College Principal, Marie Martin
"Schools like Emmaus College are an integral part of our community, and there's a real sense of pride watching graduates take advantage of career pathways and opportunities that keep them contributing to Rockhampton's future.
"Whether it's work experience, vocational training, or supporting students chasing a tertiary education, there are endless pathways to gain qualifications and find a dream job in our community. We have leaders within schools ready to support students on those journeys.
"We're proud to see so many of our students choosing to stay, study and work in Rockhampton. It's a testament to the strength of our community and the value of local education."
Quotes attributable to Year 12 student, Abby
"Completing work experience with Council this year opened my eyes to the huge range of careers in Rockhampton and made it clear that I want to stay and contribute to the Region's future.
"It's easy to overlook what's in our own backyard, but where else do you have mountains, a free zoo and beaches on your doorstep?
"We enjoy such a great life in Rockhampton and no matter what comes at the end of school, I know there's no better place to do it than here."
