Do you have a job for a first-time job seeker? Email 5000jobs@news.com.au and join our campaign. It’s Games on for jobs

THE upcoming Commonwealth Games are keeping the Gold Coast’s job market steady, with an unemployment rate below the state average.

But experts are warning the jobs boost is only temporary, with many Games-related jobs to disappear once the event is over.

Construction, tourism and hospitality are booming right now with infrastructure for the Games being built and strong tourism numbers propping up the sectors.

In June, the unemployment rate on the Gold Coast was 5.2 per cent, below the Queensland average of 6.3 per cent.

But for first-time job seekers, the market is bleak.

For those under 24, the jobless rate rises to a shocking 12 per cent.

These are the people being targeted by a News Corp campaign to secure 5000 jobs in 50 days.

Numerous job seekers have told the Bulletin they have spent weeks sending out scores of job applications, only to rarely receive a reply.

Those lucky enough to score an interview were often told the job went to a candidate with more experience, or the company had decided they were no longer going to fill the position.

The booming construction sector has not helped young people looking for experience with few apprenticeships being offered, meaning first-time job seekers are missing out on a vital training opportunity.

It is understood the boost in construction has left a shortage of plumbers across the Coast.

But plumbers are not the only occupation under the pump – chefs are also understood to be in high demand, es- pecially near the Glitter Strip.

Southport Chamber of Commerce vice-president Michael Pulford said while the figures showed the jobless rate was low, he did not believe they told the whole story.

“It’s not a lot of long term, stable opportunities,” he said.

Mr Pulford, who has 16 years’ experience in the recruitment industry, said many of the job opportunities, including those involved in the Commonwealth Games, were temporary.

He said the casual arrangements often left people rejoining the job queue just months after they had landed a job.

Bond University economist Dr Mike Raybould said the Commonwealth Games was a “blip”.

“Once the Games are gone we will be back to the long term trends,” he said.

Dr Raybould said first-time job seekers were among those most affected by industry changes.

He said many entry-level jobs were disappearing as they were outsourced overseas.

Dr Raybould said once the Games were over he expected the tourism and emerging health care and medical sectors would help boost the Coast’s employment.