REDLANDS Coast is entering one of the busiest periods of construction in its history.
New housing, major infrastructure projects and preparations for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games are creating significant opportunities across the construction industry.
The challenge isn’t simply finding more workers.
It’s understanding the workforce we’ll need and making sure local people have the skills and pathways to fill those roles.
Construction is often viewed through the lens of a few well-known trades, but the industry is far broader than many people realise.
Behind every major project are planners, engineers, architects, surveyors, project managers, estimators, procurement specialists, workplace health and safety professionals, environmental specialists, traffic controllers, landscapers and many other occupations.
If we’re going to build a stronger workforce, we first need to understand what that workforce looks like.
One of the projects our advocacy team is working on is a workforce case study for the Capalaba precinct revitalisation.
Led by the Chamber’s Advocacy Chair and developed in collaboration with the Redlands Regional Jobs Committee, the project is mapping the occupations, qualifications, licences and specialist skills required across the life of a major development.
So far, we’ve identified around 80 different occupations, providing a much clearer picture of the workforce needed to deliver a project of this scale.
Suzie Tafolo, Construction Chair of the Redlands Regional Jobs Committee, said the case study was helping build a better understanding of the people behind major construction projects.
“People often think construction is only about the trades they see on site, but every stage of a project requires different skills, qualifications and experience,” Ms Tafolo said.
“The more we understand those workforce needs, the better we can prepare local workers, support local businesses and create stronger pathways into the industry.”
The case study has also challenged a common misconception.
A five-year project doesn’t provide five years of work for every trade.
Construction moves through distinct stages, from demolition and civil works to structural construction, fit-outs and landscaping.
As each phase changes, so does the workforce.
While the case study is providing valuable insights, it’s only one piece of a much larger picture.
We’re continuing to meet with local builders, contractors, project managers, developers, training providers and employment organisations to better understand how the industry operates.
Those conversations are uncovering practical information about how businesses recruit, what skills are hardest to find, where shortages exist and what employers value most when hiring.
Just as importantly, we’re focused on practical outcomes.
That means identifying opportunities that can deliver results now, strengthening relationships between employers and training providers, and helping connect local people with available jobs.
We’re also learning from neighbouring regions, including Logan, where strong collaboration has delivered positive employment outcomes.
While there’s still plenty of work ahead, it’s exciting and is helping build a stronger, more connected construction industry for Redlands Coast.
