Building the talent pipeline for the future
Sectors across the Sunshine Coast are working together to build the workforce of tomorrow, with education and industry collaborating to shape future career pathways in aviation, health, technology, advanced manufacturing and beyond.
The region’s schools and tertiary institutions are actively innovating to pioneer programs that open doors for students to participate directly in emerging sectors.
Skills with local impact
Educators on the Sunshine Coast are prioritising programs that connect young people with high growth industries. Schools, TAFE and the University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC) are aligning learning with the Coast’s high-value and emerging industries, including health, technology and digital innovation, construction and advanced manufacturing.
Initiatives such as the eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing) project is connecting students to the next generation of flying vehicle innovation, and Council’s Youth Innovation programs are empowering young people to lead, create and shape the region’s future. These programs are designed to inspire students to make a connection from classroom projects to real-world opportunities, building confidence, digital skills and entrepreneurial thinking.
Programs like the Big Day In introduce students to leaders in technology and innovation, while the Mayor’s Telstra Innovation Masterclass gives young people the chance to connect and build skills in leadership and entrepreneurial thinking.
The Generation Innovation (GI) Challenge empowers budding entrepreneurs to turn ideas into business-ready solutions, with mentoring from local industry experts.
These initiatives, supported by Council, help students see what’s possible and where their own ideas might lead. From digital creation to real-world innovation, , these programs are shaping future job-ready talent for the region.
Pathways to industry
Across the region, education and industry are also working together to create genuine career pathways for students.
At Mountain Creek State High School students gain access to work alongside aerospace mentors and participate in the school’s Aerospatial Program, which included contact with the International Space Station and specialist STEM projects.
At Chancellor State College, robotics and coding take centre stage. In labs filled with humming machines and glowing screens, students are designing, programming and testing robots that respond to real-world challenges. The experience isn’t just about building gadgets, it’s training students in automation and digital systems that mirror the demands of local industries hungry for tech skills.
University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC) is also bridging the gap between high school and advanced engineering through projects led by industry leaders like Tim Kelly, an aeronautical engineer and Adjunct Fellow at the University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC).
One of the most ambitious projects is the design and construction of an electric vertical take-off and landing vehicle, better known as a flying taxi.
In partnership with schools, local businesses and industry experts, UniSC is giving secondary students hands-on exposure to aerospace and advanced manufacturing.
The goal is to have the vehicle ready in time for the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games.
At Kawana Waters State College, the Health Education Unit immerses senior students in simulated hospital wards, giving them real-world insights before they graduate.
From learning bedside skills to shadowing medical professionals, students get a clear line of sight into careers in nursing, medicine and allied health – sectors where demand on the Coast continues to grow.
Industry collaboration opportunities
Programs like the eVTOL initiative demonstrate how industry partners and education providers co-create real-world training, giving students unique access to aerospace, advanced engineering and the future of urban mobility on the Sunshine Coast.
As local industries such as aviation, health, tech and manufacturing continue expanding, aspiring professionals do not need to look elsewhere for world-class careers.
From robotics labs to health hubs and flying taxis, the Sunshine Coast is creating real pathways for young talent. With strong education programs and a growing pipeline of job-ready individuals, now is the time to invest in the Sunshine Coast. Contact Invest Sunshine Coast today.
Want to know more?
Trending articles
Sunshine Coast builds momentum as national hub for geospatial innovation
Building a global centre for cybersecurity
Manufacturing forum powers innovation and regional growth
