Local Jobs Program - Darling Downs

STANTHORPE: Looking to start a hospitality career - or build the skills of your existing team?

For job seekers and career changers, the Certificate III in Hospitality offers practical training and real workplace experience in the Granite Belt.

For local employers, it’s an opportunity to upskill existing staff, connect with emerging talent or support the program as a work placement host.

Program details:
🍽️ Starts 6 October and runs for 20 weeks
🤝 Two days of training each week at Varias Restaurant, plus one day of work placement
✨ Fee-Free TAFE available for eligible participants

TAFE Queensland
Varias

Find out more and express your interest: https://champ.ly/qe3UGL_2

INDIGENOUS WORKFORCE AND SKILLS DEVELOPMENT GRANT: Applications are now open for the Queensland Government’s 2026–28 Indigenous Workforce and Skills Development Grant program.

The program supports training and employment pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples through two funding streams:

▶️ Place-based projects - up to $350,000 for projects responding to local workforce and skills needs. Applications close 8 October 2026.

▶️ Traineeships, apprenticeships and graduate positions - $20,000 wage subsidies for eligible employers creating new full-time positions in priority industries.

The program is part of the Australian and Queensland Governments’ Closing the Gap in Vocational Education and Training initiative.

👉 More information, eligibility and funding guidelines: https://champ.ly/5tKF-cTQ

Skills for Queensland
Department of Employment and Workplace Relations

👋 LOOKING FOR WORK, A CAREER CHANGE OR YOUR NEXT STEP?

The Toowoomba Jobs Expo is coming to The Goods Shed on Thursday 15 October - and it’s for everyone.

Changing careers, returning to the workforce, starting out or considering training? Come along and connect with more than 100 employers, recruitment agencies, training providers and industry representatives.

There’ll be real jobs on offer, with some employers conducting interviews and hiring on the day - so bring your resume!

📅 Thursday 15 October
🕘 9.00am - 3.00pm
📍 The Goods Shed, 3 Victoria Street
☕ Food and refreshments available on site
🚌 A free shuttle bus will run between TAFE, Toowoomba Bus Station and the Expo - with free parking available at TAFE.

Workforce Australia Local Jobs Darling Downs is proud to support our region's biggest employment event alongside Queensland Department of Trade Employment and Training.

Skills for Queensland
Department of Employment and Workplace Relations

More information, registration and transport details: https://champ.ly/bpWmkzPz

LOCAL JOBS: September’s Local Jobs Network put the spotlight on next month’s Toowoomba Jobs Expo, with the Department of Trade, Employment and Training giving the group a closer look at what’s planned for 15 October at The Goods Shed! 🎯

DTET Skills for Queensland also shared information on the Indigenous Workforce and Skills Development Grant program! We also heard about:

➡️ Barbering pathways and training through TAFE Queensland
➡️ Skilling Queenslanders for Work opportunities through TIMS
➡️ First Nations employment & training updates from Sarina Russo Job Access
➡️ New developments from Employ Toowoomba
➡️ New courses and training with Aurora Training Institute: RTO Code: 32237

Each month, Workforce Australia Local Jobs brings together employment services, training providers, business and industry stakeholders from across the Darling Downs to share opportunities and connect over morning tea. ☕

For the latest on the Toowoomba Jobs Expo visit 👉 https://champ.ly/bpWmkzPz

For more info or to get involved, contact 👉 [email protected]

IWAG: A great Indigenous Workforce Action Group meeting this month, with Kristine, Indigenous Liaison Officer from Department of Employment and Workplace Relations sharing insights and good practice from across Queensland.

We also heard about Indigenous Business Month events happening across the region in October, and looked ahead to the next ID Connect event in Toowoomba this November! 🖤💛❤️

🏆 A great way to finish the meeting was with Joshua Bamford from M&H Ward Group McDonald's Toowoomba Region presenting IWAG with the Outstanding Business Engagement Award, recognising the impact of ID Connect and the collaboration behind it.

Skills for Queensland
National Indigenous Australians Agency
deadly stories

DARLING DOWNS: New training and employment support projects are coming to communities across the region through the latest round of Skilling Queenslanders for Work.

☑️ Thirteen projects will support up to 374 people to gain skills, workplace experience and pathways towards employment.

🛠️ Opportunities will include construction, retail and hospitality, individual and disability support, early childhood education, health services, administration and events, and conservation and ecosystem management.

📍 Projects will be delivered across Toowoomba, Gatton, Helidon, Dalby, Warwick, Stanthorpe, Goondiwindi and St George.

Skills for Queensland

🔎 Want to see what’s available near you? Use the project search map to explore local opportunities: https://champ.ly/qI4wjfV2

or view the funded projects list: https://champ.ly/uthBUick

Gateway To Training
BUSY At Work
SkillCentred
Varias
DISCO (Downs Industry Schools Co-Op)
SDIEA - Southern Downs Industry Education Association

TOOWOOMBA: A positive onboarding experience can help new employees feel welcomed, connected and set up for success from day one. It can also support stronger engagement and staff retention.

Local employers and business leaders are invited to the free Workforce Evolve Effective Onboarding Masterclass, delivered with support from Employ Toowoomba.

The session will cover:
✅ Supporting compliance requirements
✅ Building a welcoming workplace culture
✅ Creating strong team connections
✅ Setting clear expectations from the start

📅 Wednesday 7 October | 🕛 12pm–3pm
📍 Level 3 Community Rooms, Toowoomba City Library
🎟️ Free to register: https://champ.ly/zo507G-w

Light refreshments and networking will follow the session.

Business Chamber Queensland
Skills for Queensland

STANTHORPE: Looking to start a hospitality career—or build the skills of your existing team?

For job seekers and career changers, the Certificate III in Hospitality offers practical training and real workplace experience in the Granite Belt.

For local employers, it’s an opportunity to upskill existing staff, connect with emerging talent or support the program as a work placement host.

Program details:
🍽️ Starts 6 October and runs for 20 weeks
🤝 Two days of training each week at Varias Restaurant, plus one day of work placement
✨ Fee-Free TAFE available for eligible participants

Want to know more? Come along to the TAFE Queensland information session:

📅 Wednesday 16 September | 3:30pm–5pm
📍 Varias

Find out more and express your interest: https://champ.ly/qe3UGL_2

STANTHORPE: Build practical skills, gain industry experience and take your next step towards a career in hospitality.

Program details:
🍽️ Certificate III in Hospitality
📅 Starts 6 October and runs for 20 weeks
🤝 Two days of training each week at the renowned Varias, plus one day of work placement
✨ Fee-Free TAFE available for eligible participants

Interested? Come along to the info session:
📅 Wednesday 16 September | 3:30pm–5pm
📍 Varias Restaurant

Find out more and apply: https://champ.ly/qnOwopGA

TAFE Queensland

Workforce Australia