The Finocchiaro CLP Government is continuing its commitment to growing a skilled and job-ready workforce with the Northern Territory Centre of Excellence for Regional and Remote Essential Care Services announced in Central Australia today.
The $25.4 million TAFE Centre of Excellence, jointly funded by the Northern Territory and Federal Government, will be focused on essential care and services in the NT.
It will be delivered by Charles Darwin University and Batchelor Institute, with central training hubs based in Alice Springs and Tennant Creek.
The Centre will also offer mobile training units to deliver vital skills training in some of the Territory's most remote communities.
It will focus on training in high-demand areas such as aged care, birthing, children's health and mental health, helping to grow the local workforce and deliver better outcomes for Territorians, especially in the bush.
It will also help boost participation in training and upskilling for First Nations Australians and people in remote communities and will develop a Higher Apprenticeship Pathway to address qualification gaps and grow the essential care workforce.
Minister for Education and Training Jo Hersey said the investment showed real action in creating certainty in our Territory workforce.
"With training hubs based in Alice Springs and Tennant Creek, and mobile services reaching remote areas, this centre will deliver high-quality training in critical care sectors right where it's needed most," said Mrs Hersey.
"I know that education and training are fundamental to rebuilding our economy and this is about creating real opportunities for locals, growing our essential care workforce, and delivering stronger outcomes for the Territory now and into the future.
"Our government promised 2025 would be a year of action, certainty and security for Territorians."
Other education and training providers, community organisations and employers will also be engaged to identify the skills needed to deliver remote essential care services and boost the number of health workers working and living in remote communities.
Minister for Health, and Member for Barkly, Steve Edgington said it was fantastic news for Tennant Creek and surrounding communities.
"The Centre of Excellence will help us build the skilled health workforce we need to support people in aged care, early childhood, and mental health settings in Tennant Creek and the Barkly more broadly," said Mr Edgington.
"Local access to training means local people can get qualified and stay in their communities to provide the care our residents deserve."
Federal Minister for Skills and Training Andrew Giles said: "The Albanese Government believes in supporting people to reach their full potential."
"An investment in skills is an investment in a better future, especially in the critical area of care and services, so we are committed to ensuring no Australian is left behind, or held back," he said.
"We are working to close the gap, by removing barriers to accessing life-changing education and training for First Nations Australians. The NT RRECS will build and share their expertise in regional and remote training with TAFEs across Australia."
