Building our Home Grown Territory Workforce

29 February 2024

Giving Territory students the best options for their future careers was a key reason why the Territory Labor Government commissioned Deloitte and Charles Darwin University to review secondary education in the Territory.

The Territory Labor Government is focussed on making sure all Territory students – urban, regional and remote - are work-ready and are able to pursue further training and study opportunities when they leave school.

This is why we invested $1.37 billion in education in 2023-24 – including in delivering quality education infrastructure such as STEAM and skills centres, better technology and upgraded classrooms.

We have accepted the review’s 15 recommendations in full, which will strengthen secondary schooling in the Territory.

Due to the Territory’s diverse needs, more pathways to work opportunities within the secondary education system have been identified as a core recommendation of the review.

We will do this through more training options within schools in partnership with local communities, industry, government and non-government organisations.

So far, we have already funded 206 VET programs in 40 secondary schools across the Territory. This number is set to grow.

The review also found the NT’s unique model of middle schooling, implemented almost two decades ago and motivated by student need, could be improved by transitioning to a comprehensive secondary school model.

A sole secondary school model will increase support, reduce barriers around the middle school grades, improve attendance and boost the number of students completing year 12.

However, there will be no immediate change to the current secondary school structure, and consultation will now commence with our schools, families, and the wider community.

The review also recommends a move away from relying on boarding as the primary means for students in remote and very remote communities to access senior secondary education, while still maintaining that choice for some parents

We will expand options students have to achieve their Northern Territory Certificate of Education and Training (NTCET) – with a particular focus on remote education – along with more support for students to stay in school, graduate ready to work and start their careers. 

Last year there were an average of 16,908 secondary students enrolled in the NT; with 67% in NTG sector schools. A majority (70%) of NTG schools are located in remote areas and very remote areas.

To find the review and its recommendations visit the Secondary Review web page.

Quotes attributable to Chief Minister Eva Lawler:

“Education is crucial for Territory kids to reach their potential and we want every young Territorian to be ready for work and their future careers.”

“This secondary review is about providing the support and tools our teachers, students and school communities need to build a strong workforce of the future and how to give kids pathways to start their dream career – no matter where they live.

“Children across the Territory need to know they can be whatever they choose to be — learning a trade and starting a business, working in their own communities or doing further study at universities like CDU in Darwin.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Education Mark Monaghan:

“Every child, no matter where they live, deserves the best quality education. Through this review we aim to improve engagement and education outcomes and provide pathways for all students to succeed.

“A key focus is preparing Territory students for jobs of the future, by providing innovative education opportunities with a focus on employment skills.

“There will be no immediate change to the current secondary schooling structure, all changes will be evidence based, planned and considered.”

Northern Territory Government