JOINT MEDIA RELEASE

THE HON BRENDAN O’CONNOR MP Minister for Employment Participation

THE HON WARREN SNOWDON MP Member for Lingiari, Minister for Defence Science and Personnel

DAMIAN HALE MP Member for Solomon

A new $2.9 million innovative training program will build skills for Indigenous job seekers across 16 remote Northern Territory communities from the ground up.

During a visit to Darwin-based training provider, Industry Services Training, the Minister for Employment Participation, Brendan O’Connor, joined the Member for Solomon, Damian Hale to announce the Australian Government funding for the Towards Trade Skills program.

Towards Trade Skills will provide a two month accredited community-based training program for up to 220 Indigenous job seekers. Industries Services Training will provide the training in partnership with remote NT Indigenous communities. 

The program gives job seekers the opportunity to learn technical trades skills such as bricklaying, concreting, carpentry and building from qualified tradespeople in their communities.

“Projects such as this give Indigenous people an opportunity to gain training and valuable skills in their community,” Mr O’Connor said.

“It will also help participants vie for future employment opportunities such as the Strategic Indigenous Housing and Infrastructure program.

“Graduates will undertake traditional trade apprenticeships in skill shortage areas and work on large infrastructure and construction projects in their communities and regions.”

Minister for Defence Science and Personnel and Member for Lingiari, Warren Snowdon, said employers would be linked into the program at an early stage and provide tangible career pathways for graduates.

“Industry Services Training already has firm commitments from employers who value and support Indigenous employment,” Mr Snowdon said.

Member for Solomon, Damian Hale, said direct delivery of training in communities reinforced the Australian Government’s commitment to supporting employment opportunities at the local community level.

The program is being delivered in Ali Curung, Amanbidji, Belyuen, Bulla, Canteen Creek, Daguragu, Epenarra, Engawala, Jilkminggan, Kalkarindji, Lajamanu, Lake Nash, Murray Downs, Palumpa, Pepimenarti and Wadeye.