The Brisbane 2032 Olympics are just around the corner, and with them comes a massive construction boom that’s set to reshape South East Queensland.
From stadiums to roads, rail, and housing, the infrastructure needed to deliver the Games is significant. But here’s the catch, the work hasn’t started yet. The Queensland Government is still finalising the big contracts, and once they drop (expected in early to mid 2026), it’s going to be a race to fill thousands of roles fast.
Forecasts predict a shortage of more than 50,000 skilled workers at peak construction, and that means big opportunities for those who are ready to go.
At Pandanus Workforce, we’re already getting prepared. While others are still waiting, we’re building a pool of qualified workers so we can respond the moment jobs go live.
If you’re a tradie, operator, engineer or site-ready worker looking for long-term, high-impact work, this is your chance to get ahead of the rush.
What’s Happening with Brisbane 2032 Construction?
Right now, most of the major Olympics projects, think venues, athlete villages, transport upgrades, are still in early planning stages. The big construction contracts are expected to start rolling out in early to mid 2026, once final budgets and delivery plans are locked in by the Queensland Government.
As soon as those contracts are announced, recruitment will begin, quickly and at scale.
That’s why it pays to be prepared before that happens.
What Roles Will Be in Demand?
The 2032 Olympics aren’t just about stadium builds. There’s a huge amount of civil infrastructure to deliver, and that means diverse opportunities for workers with the right experience.
Here’s a snapshot of the kinds of roles we expect to see in high demand:
- Skilled labourers and tradespeople
- Plant and machinery operators
- Civil engineers and project managers
- WHS officers and site administrators
- FIFO/DIDO crews for regional projects
- Indigenous and community-based workforces
These roles will roll out in phases, with major recruitment waves expected from late 2026 through to 2028 as projects ramp up across South East Queensland.
When Will Labour Demand Peak?
Most major construction will need to be well underway, and in many cases, completed, by 2028, giving plenty of time to test, finish and hand over assets before the Games.
That means the peak work period is expected to fall between 2026 and 2028.
But this isn’t just a short-term blitz.
Many Olympic-related contracts will run for 12 to 36 months, making this one of the best long-term job opportunities in the industry right now.
What About Housing and Relocation?
We get it, taking on long-term work often means making big life decisions. One of the biggest question marks for many workers right now is where they’ll live.
Here’s what to expect:
- Housing in SEQ will be tight. As projects ramp up, so will demand for rentals and accommodation. Planning ahead is key.
- Some contractors will offer housing or relocation support, especially for FIFO or remote-based roles.
- Pandanus Workforce is already preparing relocation and housing assistance options to support the workers we place.
- If you’re open to relocating, now’s the time to get your paperwork and logistics in order, so you can move quickly when offers come through.
How Long Will the Jobs Run?
These aren’t “a few weeks on the tools”, Olympic contracts are expected to run for 12 months or longer, depending on the scope of the project.
This is your chance to lock in:
- Secure, long-term work
- Great pay and consistent hours
- A foot in the door on high-profile infrastructure
- Upskilling and career progression while on the job
It’s not just work, it’s work that matters, and builds your future.
What You Can Do Right Now
You don’t need to wait for jobs to be advertised to take action. In fact, the smartest workers are the ones who are already getting their ducks in a row.
Here’s how to get ahead:
- Check your tickets and quals
Make sure everything is up to date, especially plant operation, WHS, and site inductions. - Be ready for relocation
Start thinking about what you’d need to move for the right opportunity (documents, family plans, travel etc.) - Get on Pandanus Workforce’s radar
We’re already building talent pools to respond the moment roles are released. Registering early gives you first access. - Stay informed
We’ll keep our workforce in the loop with project news, updates, and first-look job alerts as soon as details drop.
The Brisbane 2032 Olympics are going to create massive opportunities for workers who are ready to go. But if you wait until the contracts drop, you’ll be behind the pack.
Get ahead now. Pandanus Workforce is here to help you prepare, connect you with the right roles, and support you from application to onboarding.
Register your interest with Pandanus Workforce today. And be first in line when the Games begin, on site, on contract, and on your way to long-term, career-building work.
