to deliver Greater Careers Connect, an innovative program designed to help local young people aged 18 to 24, successfully transition from post-secondary education into the workforce.
Greater Careers Connect bridges the gap between training and employment by providing early, structured exposure to real-world career opportunities in the Greater Whitsunday region’s priority sectors, including biomanufacturing, digital technologies, renewable energy, and advanced agriculture.
The regionally tailored program will connect young people with local employers through:
- Online career forums showcasing regional industries and career pathways.
- Networking events to build relationships between students and local employers.
- Short-term mentoring opportunities linking youth with industry professionals for practical career insights.
By helping young people connect their skills with real-world opportunities, Greater Careers Connect aims to improve training completion rates, boost confidence, and strengthen the local talent pipeline—ensuring industries have access to skilled local workers.
“We know that our region is on the cusp of significant economic transformation, with job growth forecast across key industries by 2030. Yet many young people remain unaware of the career opportunities right here in their own backyard. Greater Careers Connect will change that—empowering young people with the knowledge, connections, and confidence to take their next step locally.” – Ms Kylie Porter
“This funding allows GW3 to deliver a structured, industry-led approach that strengthens connections between education and employment, reduces talent leakage, and supports local businesses to access the skilled workforce they need to thrive,” Ms Porter said.
Greater Whitsunday Alliance (GW3) Chief Executive Officer Ms Kylie Porter said the program would address a critical challenge for the region.
This initiative will connect youth with experienced professionals to provide career guidance, foster networks, and develop workplace readiness.
Member for Mackay, Mr Nigel Dalton MP, welcomed the funding, acknowledging the value of collaboration between government, industry, and education in addressing workforce challenges.
“I am delighted to extend my congratulations to Greater Whitsunday Alliance on securing funding from the Queensland Government’s Growing Workforce Participation Fund to launch the Greater Careers Connect program.
“This important initiative exemplifies how, through strategic collaboration between government, industry, and education, we can tackle workforce challenges and create meaningful opportunities for the Mackay Region.” – Nigel Dalton, MP
“By facilitating partnerships across sectors, Greater Whitsunday Alliance’s Greater Careers Connect program will help to build pathways that align training with local industry needs ensuring people have access to rewarding careers and employers’ benefit from a skilled, ready workforce.
“I fully support this initiative and look forward to its positive impact on our community, Mr Dalton said. This project is proudly funded by the Queensland Government through its Growing Workforce Participation Fund.
