THE Redlands Regional Jobs Committee (RJC) is driving real results across the Redlands Coast –helping jobseekers into meaningful work while supporting local employers to build strong, skilled teams.
Through targeted events and partnerships, the RJC is strengthening workforce pipelines, connecting businesses to local talent, and contributing to the region’s economic prosperity.
Bartons Group was one of many employers to benefit from the RJC’s Redlands Career and Course Expo, held in October 2024.
“Attending the Expo as part of our recruitment strategy proved to be an excellent return on investment,” said Bartons Head of People & Culture Tony Lum.
“We left with a strong pool of resumes and interviewed the next day.
“Two hires were made – and six months later, they’re now valuable team members: one as an RV handover specialist and the other as an automotive apprentice.”
In February, the Redlands Coast Futures Forum created a life-changing opportunity for 18-year-old Kobi Stand.
A recent Year 12 graduate and participant in the local Link and Launch program, Kobi handed his resume directly to Toyota’s National Dealer Engagement Manager John Kingston after hearing him speak at the event.
That simple interaction led to an apprenticeship as an automotive technician at Oldmac Toyota Cleveland.
In a remarkable full-circle moment, Kingston himself was once recruited by RJC Ambassador Darryl McConochie – then Toyota’s National Dealership Manager and now a driving force behind the RJC’s local workforce programs.
“The Futures Forum allowed me to take a step into my adulthood by giving me autonomy and control over where I could head, assisting me to achieve my dream job at this age,” Kobi said.
“I am unbelievably thankful for the opportunity attending the Futures Forum has provided me.”
In May, the Redlands Top Trade Talent event – run in partnership with TAFE Queensland and Construction Skills Queensland – resulted in three apprenticeship placements and four work experience opportunities.
Among the successful candidates was Hayden Schroder, who was offered an apprenticeship as a
diesel mechanic with SeaLink.
“The event was an amazing experience, as I got to know so many companies,” Hayden said.
“It was very helpful, providing me with so many good opportunities.”
Employers were equally impressed, with one noting: “It was the most effective two hours of recruitment we’ve had in years.”
