SIGNIFICANT BOOST TO NORTHERN TERRITORY APPRENTICESHIPS

More than 2000 new training and apprentice opportunities will be created in the Northern Territory in a new $5.8 million funding deal signed today between the Federal Liberal National Government and the Territory Labor Government.

The funding will flow after the signing in Canberra today of a bilateral schedule between Minister for Small and Family Business, Skills and Vocational Education Senator Michaelia Cash and Northern Territory Minister for Workforce Training Selena Uibo.

The Commonwealth Government will contribute $2.9 million from the Skilling Australians Fund to the deal, a figure that will be matched by the Northern Territory Government, as part of the partnership to boost vocational education in the NT.

The latest funding will support the expansion of the Territory Pre-employment Training program, and the creation of the Territory Workforce Program (TWP).

The TWP is a new industry grants program that supports innovative projects to increase the apprenticeship, pre-apprenticeship and higher apprenticeship commencements and completion rates.

Minister Cash said apprentices and trainees are critical in meeting the increasing skills needs of industry in the Northern Territory such as construction, agriculture and mining.

“The NT has one of the highest VET participation rates in the country, and the highest rate of VET participation amongst young Australians, so we’re building on strong foundations,” Minister Cash said.

“Our support, matched by the NT Government, will help contribute almost 2000 new apprenticeships to the Territory.

“The Liberal National Government’s investment means many more Territorians will get the opportunity to gain real skills for real careers and Northern Territory employers will gain the skilled workers they need to drive productivity and growth.”

Minister Uibo said there were currently 3400 apprentices and trainees in the Territory and the bilateral agreement would significantly boost those numbers.

“The Territory Labor Government’s number one priority is jobs and this new funding arrangement will increase opportunities for Territorians to pursue apprenticeships and traineeships, including higher apprenticeships and pre-apprenticeships, and build a skilled workforce now and into the future,” Minister Uibo said.

“A workforce of trained, skilled Territorians not only benefits our businesses and employers by enabling them to make the most of future economic opportunities, it benefits the Territory economy as a whole.”

The SAF National Partnership Agreement will create up to 300,000 new apprenticeship and trainee places over four years. It commenced on 1 July 2018 and Western Australia is the sixth state or territory to sign the National Partnership, alongside South Australia, New South Wales, Tasmania, the Australian Capital Territory and the Northern Territory.