Launch Your Local Career!

Published on 19 November 2025

It’s an exciting time for hundreds of students across the Rockhampton Region, wrapping up their final year of high school and looking towards further education or the first steps in their successful careers.

This exciting period of growth in our local economy offers school leavers the chance to shape their future locally through trade or tertiary training, while helping to build the next chapter of the Rockhampton Region.

Rockhampton offers a diverse range of career pathways, many offering above average incomes to complement our comparative affordability and world-class lifestyle - and there’s never been an easier time to study and develop your skills right here in your own backyard!

Busting Myths

A university student smiles as he uses a laptop inside a modern study area — Healthcare jobs are in demand and provide a rewarding career pathway

There are a few common myths when it comes to building a career after school in regional areas like Rockhampton – and we’re here to break them down.

Myth: I need to leave Rockhampton to train in my chosen career.

Truth: There are a huge range of innovative education options in our region including the Regional Medical Pathways Program, which enables future doctors to train locally. CQUniversity provides a range of university and TAFE degrees, with a focus on industries such as mining and residential construction which are expected to be in future demand.

Myth: I can’t get a good paying job in a regional area.

Truth: The Regional Australia Institute has found median incomes in roles including technicians, trade workers, hospitality, childcare, healthcare, retail, transport, construction and agriculture can be higher than in a capital city.

Myth: I won’t be able to find a job in a ‘small’ city

Truth: Rockhampton’s economy is booming and an additional 6,600 new jobs will be created over the next two to three years. These roles span industries including healthcare, professional services, agriculture, mining and resources, manufacturing, defence, transport and everything in between. No matter your interest or experience, the right opportunity is just waiting to be uncovered.

What else can Rockhampton offer?

18 minute typical commute (TMR), compared to a typical 59 minute daily commute in Brisbane. (SMH)
Entry level homes 15% cheaper to buy than the median across Regional Queensland, and 13% cheaper to rent. (Housing ID)
Mountains and outdoor escapes right on your doorstep, beaches 30 minutes down the road, and a wealth of free attractions such as Rockhampton Zoo.

Further Education

A young man in high-vis clothing operates engineering equipment — Rockhampton has training options for trades and tertiary degrees

CQUniversity

If you’ve completed high school in Rockhampton, you’ll no doubt be familiar with CQUniversity. Rockhampton is the birthplace to CQU and home to its largest campus, but what you may not how is how wide CQU’s offering is.

Our home-grown uni offers preparatory courses, TAFE courses, undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, diplomas, certificates, and research degrees so you’re sure to find a course that sets you on a pathway to success.

With campuses and connections across Central Queensland, Australia and even overseas there are also ample opportunities to meet new people and apply your learnings to real world situations.

Specialist Health Programs

Healthcare is Rocky’s largest employing industry and is still one of our fastest growing, making a career in healthcare or social assistance an excellent career choice.

In addition to CQU’s offerings, Rockhampton is also home to the University of Queensland’s Rural Clinical School and James Cook University’s Generalist Medical Training Program. These initiatives give you real-world experience in regional healthcare settings, including Rockhampton Hospital, and allow you to study at home – saving money on expensive city accommodation and lengthy commutes.

In working alongside local healthcare providers, you’ll also gain connections and opportunities within the industry which puts you in good stead for employment upon completion of your course.

Apprenticeships and Traineeships

Did you know you don’t have to be in school to complete an apprenticeship or traineeship? CQU has information to guide you through the process of finding an employer and Australian Apprenticeship Support Network provider to support your learning and can oversees your training.

CQU’s apprenticeship and traineeship courses cover fields including animal studies, automotive engineering, beauty therapy and hairdressing, business, construction, education, engineering, fitness, healthcare, hospitality, information technology, tourism and more.

Finding a Job

Two women dressed in corporate and high-visibility clothing sit across a table during a job interview — Ready to take the first step to finding your career?

If you’ve already completed your studies or are ready to step into a role immediately, our Finding a Job page can help get you started. We’ve compiled a list of job sites looking to recruit staff in Rockhampton, Gracemere, Mount Morgan and beyond – as well as links to positions within local, state and federal government.

It can also be worth searching social media for groups and pages listing vacancies, as well as physical noticeboards in places like community centres and supermarkets.