The Lawler Labor Government is focussed on providing working and training opportunities for all Territorians.
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; to make sure more training opportunities are available the Lawler Labor Government has partnered with the Industry Skills Advisory Council NT (ISACNT), and signed an agreement to provide more workforce and training advice.
Signed under the Workforce Advisory Grant, ISACNT will receive $3 million every year for five years to increase industry capability and capacity across the Northern Territory, and work with Government to create more training opportunities.
ISACNT workforce advisory services includes all Territory industries and sectors, including regional and remote areas, as well as priority and disadvantaged groups.
Most recently ISACNT partnered with Arafura Resources to identify the Territory's current labour force capacity and the skills required to deliver critical minerals projects in the NT.
They are also working hand in hand with the Northern Territory Indigenous Business Network (NTIBN), the peak body representing NT Indigenous businesses to support the NTIBN's advocacy for Aboriginal businesses and workforce.
The pivotal work being delivered by ISACNT under the WAG will help get more Territorians working and support industry and businesses as the Lawler Labor Government continues towards its target of a $40 billion economy by 2030.
Quotes attributed to Minister for Skills, Training and International Education Joel Bowden:
"The Lawler Labor Government is ensuring Territorians are working and we will continue to work with Territory businesses and industries to support their workforce needs and skill development requirements.
"To grow the Territory's economy we need a workforce advisory organisation that works efficiently and effectively with key stakeholders across the workforce and skills system."
"ISACNT will help identify and address skills gaps in the workforce, facilitate more Territorians take up training opportunities and provide advice to government, industry and the community."
Quotes attributed to ISACNT CEO Amelia Nuku:
"The Northern Territory Government provides the largest investment in workforce, training and skills compared to any other state or territory across Australia."
"ISACNT continues to partner with industry and businesses to identify and address industry skills and workforce needs and help inform government policy and funding decisions that best support industry."
Quotes attributed to NTIBN A/CEO Naomi Anstess:
"The NTIBN celebrates the start of this important workforce advisory service by the NTG and ISACNT.
"Under the strong leadership of the CEO Amelia Nuku, ISACNT is delivering Industry relevant, Industry connected and Industry strong, advice and expertise. The NTIBN is proud to partner with ISACNT to ensure that Indigenous Industry needs are front and centre of these conversations."
Quotes attributed to Arafura Rare Earths Ltd Head of NT and Indigenous Affairs Stewart Forrest:
"The Workforce Advisory Grant designed to strengthen and develop the capability and capacity of the Northern Territory's workforce is a positive initiative from Eva Lawler's Northern Territory Government. A suitably skilled workforce will be a critical contributor to the success of Arafura's Nolans Project and grow the Territory's economy.
"Amelia Nuka and the team from ISACNT are delivering the Territory government's support through their expertise and ability to understand industry's needs for skills and training development. Arafura are working closely with ISACNT to develop workforce strategies that will benefit employees and Territorian businesses. Amelia and the ISACNT team are driving initiatives imperative for industry development.
"Naomi Anstess and the NTIBN have been working closely with Arafura to identify and develop opportunities for Indigenous owned businesses and employees on Arafura's Nolans Project. The strength and advocacy delivered by Naomi and the NTIBN is an essential service to create intergenerational wealth opportunities for Indigenous Territorians."
