New trades centre to get Territory students work ready

20 May 2024

The Lawler Labor Government is getting Territory students work ready.

Budget 2024 invests more than $109 million for vocational education and training, workforce growth and skilled workforce initiatives to support business and industry build the Territory’s workforce.

Currently, there are 3,772 Territorians in apprenticeship or traineeship. Of these, 1,140 are Aboriginal apprentices and trainees, this is an increase of 12% compared to the same period last year.

Together with the Federal Government, the Territory Labor Government is making 2,200 Fee-Free TAFE training placements made available between 2024 and 2026.  Since the programs introduction in 2023, 1,867 Territorians have undertaken fee-free training.

To make sure we have the facilities available to Territorians to get work ready or reskilled, the Territory Government is investing $4.8 million into the new $10 million Charles Darwin University Trades Training centre.

Local Territory Company Aspire Design and Construction are undertaking this build, with it expected to be opened towards the end of 2024.

The two-storey Centre features a heavy equipment precinct, an assembly area, an industrial sand pit, and classrooms, and has been designed for trades courses that need larger work spaces, with initial focus on carpentry and roof plumbing.

The Lawler Labor Government also provides a further $6.7 million to support Territorians undertaking an apprenticeship or traineeship including travel and accommodation subsidies, support schemes for those living in regional and remote parts of the NT as well as the Work Wear Work Gear bonus.

For more information and to apply for a fee-free place, visit https://nt.gov.au/learning/adult-education-and-training/free-training-courses

Quotes from Chief Minister Eva Lawler:

“My Government is getting Territory kids work ready, and reskilling Territorians for their next working opportunity.

“$109 million in Budget 2024 is going towards getting more Territorians trained.

“Charles Darwin University’s new training centre will provide more courses for more students, that’s why we are backing it.

“Since 2016 the Territory Labor Government continues to have the highest per capita investment into VET than any other State or Territory in Australia, contributing around 80 per cent to the sector -  well above the national average of 60 per cent.

Quotes from Minister for Skills, Training and International Education Joel Bowden:

“Budget 2024 is making sure Territorians have access to the skills and training they need to be work ready.

“It is important that we have skilled workforce that can meet the economic demands needed to increase housing supply in the Territory.

“Our $109 million investment towards vocational education and training, workforce growth and skilled workforce initiatives ensure together with business and industry we are building the Territory’s workforce.”

Quotes from CDU Acting Vice-Chancellor Professor Reuben Bolt:

“Early-stage investment is a small but vital part of attracting major projects to the Northern Territory. It is the infrastructure for future opportunities and ensures that we are ready to seize them when they arise.

“By investing now, we position ourselves as a prime location for workforce development and opportunities.

“This trade training centre is needed now, but it’s also an investment in our future. Our commitment to education and training at CDU is essential in building a capable workforce that can meet any future demands.”

Quotes from Pro Vice-Chancellor and CEO of CDU TAFE, Mike Hamilton:

“The addition of extra fee-free TAFE places is a significant boost for construction training at CDU. It ensures that more students from diverse backgrounds have the opportunity to gain essential skills without the burden of financial constraints.

“Expanding our TAFE offerings, particularly in construction, is crucial for meeting the growing demands of the industry. These fee-free places will help us train a skilled workforce and support the construction sector by providing a steady pipeline of well-trained professionals.”

Quotes from Aspire Design and Construct Executive Director, Lisa Jenkinson:

“Construction of the CDU Trades Training Centre is progressing well and on time. The civil works is all but complete with the seal to the top carpark completed in May.

“With the arrival of the structural steel onsite we have started the erection. This component of the project is an exciting transformation from the groundworks to the build form.

 “Aspire is proud to support the construction of the new Centre for the future trades people of the Northern Territory.”

Northern Territory Government