Empower the next generation and be the vital link between education and industry with this exciting opportunity at FNQ Vocational Academy, part of Trinity Bay State High School. We are seeking an enthusiastic and motivated Industry Liaison Officer to build strong, dynamic partnerships that support school-based apprenticeships, enhance student career pathways, and boost employer engagement across Far North Queensland. Based at the TAFE Cairns Campus, this role is central to ensuring students have meaningful access to work placements and training opportunities that set them up for success.

If you're passionate about connecting young people with real-world opportunities and making a lasting impact, apply now and help shape the future of FNQ’s emerging workforce.

Job details

About the School 

Trinity Bay State High School's FNQ Vocational Academy is a dynamic regional partnership with TAFE Queensland Cairns, the Department of Education, and the Department of Employment, Small Business and Training, offering students the opportunity to complete their Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) alongside two nationally recognised vocational qualifications. Located at the TAFE Queensland Cairns campus, the program equips students with real-world skills through hands-on training, work placements, and the opportunity to begin a school-based apprenticeship or traineeship. With flexible timetabling that integrates academic and vocational learning, the Academy ensures a smooth transition from school to meaningful employment or further training.

About the Role  

As the Industry Liaison Officer, you will play a key role in supporting the ongoing delivery of the School-Based Apprenticeship program and managing partnerships with businesses and industry to maximise opportunities for secondary students. You will be responsible for establishing and maintaining effective networks, working collaboratively with business and industry groups to build strong, vibrant links that promote School-Based Apprenticeships as a valuable career pathway. The ideal candidate will possess exceptional interpersonal and organisational skills, with a proven ability to foster strong connections between local businesses and the academy to secure meaningful work placements for students. Demonstrated experience in developing industry partnerships and supporting young people in their vocational pathways will be highly regarded.

About You: 

To be successful in this role, you should display the following skills:

• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Highly developed organisational and time-management abilities
• Confidence in building connections within the trade and industry sector
• A strong commitment to workplace health and safety practices

Benefits

Joining our school means that you will greatly benefit from:

• Receive a generous superannuation contribution to support your long-term financial wellbeing.
• Enjoy flexible work arrangements that support a healthy work-life balance.
• Take advantage of convenient on-site parking for a hassle-free commute.
• Benefit from a location that's easily accessible by public transport.

Your Responsibilities 

As the Industry Liaison Officer, your responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:  

• Build and maintain partnerships with employers, training providers, apprenticeship agencies, schools, and community groups to create opportunities for work experience, vocational training, and School-Based Apprenticeships.
• Promote and position School-Based Apprenticeships and vocational pathways as valuable career options through marketing, communication strategies, and stakeholder engagement.
• Support students' career pathways by sourcing placements, coordinating inductions, monitoring workplace experiences, and tracking progress and outcomes.
• Provide program oversight and compliance by maintaining records, reporting outcomes, ensuring legislative requirements are met, and contributing to business planning and continuous improvement.
• Deliver client-focused service by offering high-level support to employers, students, and partners, including recruitment, information sessions, and feedback mechanisms.

Please refer to the attached role description for the full list of responsibilities and mandatory requirements for this position. 

Interested? To Apply 

• Attach a brief resume including contact details for 2 referees (referees should be familiar with your relevant work history). 
• Attach a written statement (1-page maximum)  about how your achievements and capabilities meet the requirements of the role.

We welcome all applicants to share any support needed to ensure our recruitment process is inclusive.

Applications remain current for 12 months from the closing date and may be considered for appointment to identical or similar vacancies within the Department.

Applications from recruitment agencies will not be accepted.

The Department of Education is a family inclusive workplace. Click here to find out more about our Inclusion and Diversity strategies.

Further information

We are committed to building inclusive cultures in the Queensland public sector that respect and promote human rights and diversity.

For a full list of the position responsibilities and mandatory requirements, please ensure you download the attached role description and candidate information fact sheet and follow the instructions.

Documents

Before applying for this vacancy please ensure you read the documents below.

• Applicant Information Package (PDF, 245KB)
  Information Package for Applicants
  
  FNR658470_25T - Role Description (PDF, 244KB)
  Role Description