Redlands Regional Jobs Committee Hosts ‘Industry & TAFE – Construction’ Event

In an inspiring initiative to spotlight the diverse career pathways within construction, the Redlands Regional Jobs Committee recently hosted the “Industry & TAFE – Construction” event. Aimed at expanding local awareness of construction’s varied opportunities, the event featured insights from industry experts, vocational educators, and hands-on tours, bringing students and community members closer to a wealth of career prospects.

Unlocking Opportunities in Construction

The event, held in collaboration with Construction Skills Queensland (CSQ) and TAFE Queensland, was a gateway for participants to explore the full spectrum of the construction field. Participants had the unique chance to hear from industry specialists about the different career paths within the sector. “We’re here today for a construction industry day,” said Des Kerr, RRJC Chair. “Today’s goal is to give students an idea of what local Redlands businesses and opportunities are available and the skill sets they’ll need to pursue them.”One of the focal points of the event was the wide array of vocational education and training (VET) options available through TAFE Queensland’s SkillsTech courses, offering clear pathways into construction careers. Andrew Hocking from TAFE Queensland Alex Hills Campus emphasised the expansive potential of construction careers in the Redlands, noting, “The construction industry at Redlands is booming, with increasing demand in preparation for the 2032 Olympics.” With programs spanning from Certificate I to Certificate III in various trades, students were introduced to the foundational skills that can help them kickstart a meaningful career.

Expanding Pathways Beyond University

The event, held in collaboration with Construction Skills Queensland (CSQ) and TAFE Queensland, was a gateway for participants to explore the full spectrum of the construction field. Participants had the unique chance to hear from industry specialists about the different career paths within the sector. “We’re here today for a construction industry day,” said Des Kerr, RRJC Chair. “Today’s goal is to give students an idea of what local Redlands businesses and opportunities are available and the skill sets they’ll need to pursue them.”

One of the focal points of the event was the wide array of vocational education and training (VET) options available through TAFE Queensland’s SkillsTech courses, offering clear pathways into construction careers. Andrew Hocking from TAFE Queensland Alex Hills Campus emphasised the expansive potential of construction careers in the Redlands, noting, “The construction industry at Redlands is booming, with increasing demand in preparation for the 2032 Olympics.” With programs spanning from Certificate I to Certificate III in various trades, students were introduced to the foundational skills that can help them kickstart a meaningful career.

Real-World Insights Through Facility Tours

The day included a guided tour of TAFE Queensland’s SkillsTech facilities at the Alex Hills Campus, where participants explored hands-on training resources and met current students. Many visitors found this firsthand exposure invaluable, with Cleveland District State High School teacher Claire Doevendans noting, “When you actually see the work and the training facilities, it really sells it for kids.”

From TAFE, the group ventured out to explore real-world construction sites, providing a tangible connection to career options in three distinct sectors:

1. Civil Construction at Golding Contractors: Participants learned about the infrastructure side of construction and observed major projects in action, gaining insights into the significant workforce demand in this sector.
2. Residential Construction at Fiteni – Woodbury: This residential site tour offered a unique look at housing construction. Participants observed homes in various stages of building and spoke with industry professionals to better understand residential construction career opportunities.
3. Pre-Fabrication at Tiny Homes Central: At Tiny Homes Central, participants explored the pre-fabrication process and saw firsthand how innovative construction methods are changing the residential landscape.

Growing Demand and Diverse Roles in the Construction Industry

Queensland’s construction sector is one of the state’s largest employers, with over 243,000 jobs—a number expected to rise as demand grows for skilled workers across civil, residential, and prefabrication projects. As noted by Tony Martin from Construction Skills Queensland, the construction industry encompasses 70 different careers, extending far beyond the traditional roles of carpentry, electrical work, and plumbing. “There are so many opportunities in construction to choose a career of choice,” Martin explained. This event showcased those lesser-known roles, from plastering to pre-fabrication. The diverse skill sets required in the industry also mean that many paths can be taken within construction, often leading professionals into roles they may not have initially considered. This was echoed by Fiteni’s Development Manager, Amy Jooste, who shared, “The industry is dynamic and exciting; it just illustrates how diverse the industry can be, where you can start in one position and end up somewhere else entirely.”

The Redlands Construction Boom…Opportunities Await!

With the upcoming 2032 Olympics fueling local development and major infrastructure projects on the horizon, the demand for skilled tradespeople is set to rise dramatically across Southeast Queensland. Events like this one underscore the value of vocational training and hands-on experience as crucial components for securing a foothold in this ever-growing field. For many attendees, the day was eye-opening. As one participant said, “I’ve learned there’s so much more within the trade space that I can do, and it’s opened up new options to consider.”

LEARN MORE ABOUT CONSTRUCTION PATHWAYS

• Home – CSQ Construction Pathways – a great user friendly resource that explains all 70 Construction careers, the training pathway and even predicted income levels.
• How to get a Job in the Trade Industry – provides essential steps to help you successfully transition into a trade job, ensuring you make informed decisions and find a path that aligns with your skills and interests.
• Tony’s Top Tip for Young Jobseekers in the Trade Industry – Tony’s top tips for navigating the school-to-work transition 

The Redlands Regional Jobs Committee is committed to helping community members connect with fulfilling local career opportunities and supporting the next generation of skilled tradespeople. For anyone interested in learning more, we invite you to watch our event recap video, where participants share their experiences and personal takeaways. Discover how the “Industry & TAFE – Construction” event is paving the way for future builders of the Redlands Coast. Press play above to hear more from participants and see the day’s highlights in action.

Special thanks to our Industry hosts (Golding Contractors, Fiteni and Tiny Homes Central) for allowing us to visit their worksites and for sharing your industry knowledge, inspiring the next generation of Redlands future Construction workers.

References

• For Queensland construction industry statistics: Queensland Government Workforce Statistics
• For details on the Queensland Workforce Strategy: Good people. Good jobs: Queensland Workforce Strategy 2022-2032
• For additional details on VET pathways in construction: Construction Skills Queensland
• For TAFE Queensland SkillsTech course information: TAFE Queensland