Use cutting-edge technology to capture data, images, and insights across multiple industries.

As a Drone Operator, you’ll pilot unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to perform tasks like surveying land, inspecting infrastructure, capturing aerial imagery, or monitoring environmental conditions. You might support construction planning, crop health analysis, emergency response, or promotional tourism footage—often using drones fitted with high-resolution cameras, thermal sensors, or 3D mapping tools.

In the Greater Whitsunday region, Drone Operators are helping transform how industries operate—enhancing efficiency, safety, and data collection from above. With new drone applications emerging rapidly, this role is supporting everything from land and environmental management to infrastructure monitoring, marine research, and marketing content creation.

What you might do day-to-day:

• Pilot drones to collect photos, videos, or data
• Analyse aerial imagery for reporting or modelling
• Maintain equipment and follow flight regulations
• Work with teams to plan drone-based tasks

This role suits people who:
Enjoy tech, problem-solving, and working outdoors.

Pathway:
Complete a Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA)-accredited Remote Pilot Licence (RePL). VET courses in drone operations, surveying, or data analysis provide valuable skills.

Bring stories, characters, and ideas to life through movement, design, and digital storytelling.

As an Animator, you’ll create engaging motion content using 2D, 3D, or stop-motion techniques for film, advertising, games, simulations, or educational platforms. You might design characters, develop storyboards, or animate scenes using specialised animation tools. Advancing technologies like virtual reality are creating exciting new career opportunities.

In the Greater Whitsunday region, animation skills are in growing demand across sectors—from tourism and marketing to mining safety, digital education, and marine science storytelling.

What you might do day-to-day:

• Create animated scenes, characters, and effects
• Work with storyboards and scripts
• Use animation tools and software to bring ideas to life
• Edit and refine animations for production

This role suits people who:
Are creative, precise, and love visual storytelling.

Pathway:
Many animators start with a diploma or degree in animation, media, or design. Freelance projects, internships, or self-taught portfolios can also open doors into this exciting field.

Use smart systems and automation to shape the future of mining and beyond.

As a Mine Automation Technician, you’ll work with cutting-edge technologies like autonomous haul trucks, remote-control systems, and smart sensors to improve mining safety and efficiency. You’ll install, maintain, and troubleshoot equipment and software used to automate heavy machinery and processes. These highly transferable technical skills are also valued in agriculture, energy, advanced manufacturing, transport, and construction industries.

In the Greater Whitsunday region, automation is playing a bigger role in mining operations—reducing risks, boosting productivity, and creating new career pathways in tech-enabled roles. This is a great entry into high-tech industries with room to grow into engineering, systems integration, or data analytics.

What you might do day-to-day:

• Maintain and repair automated mining systems
• Install and calibrate sensors and software
• Monitor data and troubleshoot faults
• Work with engineers and operators to improve performance

This role suits people who:
Are practical, tech-minded, and enjoy problem-solving.

Pathway:
Many start with a Certificate III or IV in Electrotechnology, Mechatronics, or Instrumentation, gaining experience on the job and upskilling over time.

Visualise and analyse spatial data to solve real-world problems across industries.

As a GIS Technician, you’ll collect, process, and manage geographic information using advanced mapping software and GPS technology. You’ll work to support decision-making in diverse sectors like mining, agriculture, environmental management, urban planning, construction, and tourism. With the rise of drone mapping, remote sensing, and cloud-based GIS platforms, this role is evolving with exciting tech innovations.

In the Greater Whitsunday region, GIS Technicians contribute to managing natural resources, planning infrastructure, and supporting industry growth by providing accurate spatial data insights. These transferable skills open doors to roles in data analysis, environmental science, and resource management.

What you might do day-to-day:

• Create and update digital maps and spatial databases
• Analyse spatial data for reports and projects
• Use GPS and remote sensing tools for data collection
• Collaborate with engineers, planners, and environmental teams

This role suits people who:
Are analytical, comfortable with technology, and enjoy tackling complex problems.

Pathway:
Typically start with a diploma or degree in GIS, geography, or surveying. Practical experience and software skills build through internships or on-the-job training.

Create innovative mobile and web applications that connect people, businesses, and services across industries.

As an App Developer, you’ll design, build, test, and maintain applications used in sectors like healthcare, education, mining, tourism, agriculture, and professional services. With technology constantly evolving, you’ll work with programming languages, development platforms, and user experience tools to create apps that solve real-world problems and improve workflows. Staying up-to-date with trends like cloud computing, AI integration, and cybersecurity is essential to deliver secure, efficient, and user-friendly solutions.

In the Greater Whitsunday region, App Developers support digital transformation by building technology that drives productivity and innovation across diverse industries.

What you might do day-to-day:

• Write, test, and debug code for mobile and web apps
• Collaborate with designers, product managers, and clients
• Maintain and update existing applications
• Research and implement new development tools and technologies

This role suits people who:
Are creative thinkers, detail-oriented, and enjoy creating with technology.

Pathway:
Many start with a degree or diploma in software development, computer science, or IT. Gaining hands-on experience through internships, coding bootcamps, or freelance projects helps build your skills and portfolio.

Protect vital data and systems across industries by identifying and responding to security threats.

As a Cyber Security Analyst, you’ll monitor networks and systems to detect vulnerabilities and prevent cyberattacks across sectors like mining, healthcare, finance, education, and professional services. Using advanced security tools, threat intelligence, and risk assessments, you’ll investigate incidents, implement safeguards, and ensure compliance with data protection standards. With technology constantly evolving, staying updated on emerging cyber threats and defence strategies is essential.

In the Greater Whitsunday region, Cyber Security Analysts play a crucial role in protecting information and supporting digital resilience as local industries adopt new technologies and expand their digital footprint.

What you might do day-to-day:

• Monitor security alerts and investigate incidents
• Conduct vulnerability assessments and risk analyses
• Develop and enforce security policies and protocols
• Work with IT teams to enhance cyber defences

This role suits people who:
Are analytical, detail-oriented, and enjoy solving complex problems.

Pathway:
Start with a degree or diploma in cyber security or IT. Certifications and hands-on experience through internships or entry-level roles help build skills.

Inspire the next generation of innovators by coordinating STEM education and outreach programs.

As a STEM Program Coordinator, you’ll design, organise, and deliver engaging activities that promote science, technology, engineering, and maths learning across schools, community groups, and businesses. Using digital tools and emerging technologies, you’ll develop workshops, competitions, and events that spark curiosity and build skills. You’ll collaborate with educators, industry partners, and government bodies to ensure programs meet community needs and support workforce development.

In the Greater Whitsunday region, this role plays a vital part by connecting young people with STEM opportunities across diverse industries, helping build a skilled future workforce.

What you might do day-to-day:

• Develop and coordinate STEM education programs and events
• Build partnerships with schools, businesses, and community organisations
• Manage program budgets, schedules, and resources
• Monitor and evaluate program outcomes

This role suits people who:
Are organised, passionate about education, and enjoy working with diverse groups.

Pathway:
Many start with qualifications in education, science, or community engagement. Experience in program management and partnerships helps, with further study boosting career options.