Developing and skilling a robust local workforce is a priority for the Territory Labor Government, and apprenticeship and traineeship opportunities are key to strengthening the Territory's skills base.
There are currently nearly 4,000 Territorians undertaking apprenticeships and traineeships across the Northern Territory, seven of which were announced as individual category winners at last night's Northern Territory Training Awards.
The NT Training Awards highlight the incredible talent, depth and diversity in the Territory's vocational education and training sector.
The winners were selected from 102 nominations across 12 categories, comprising of 78 individuals and 24 businesses.
This year's finalists represented a wide range of industries including health, conservation, electrotechnology, mechanics, mining, beauty services, cookery, fitness, early childhood learning, business and information technology.
The winners list included:
Electrical apprentice Jack Higgins, who was named the Austin Asche Apprentice of the Year.Healthcare trainee, Porsche Cahill who was named the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year.Remote business, Numburindi Store located south of Groote Eylandt, which was named Small Employer of the Year.Roper Gulf Regional Council and Bradford Institute of Advanced Education, who won Industry Collaboration of the Year for their bespoke cultural and language training program for the Council's night patrol team, the Roper Gulf Cert III in Community Services Project.
The awards, now in their 68th year, are significant as they foster collaboration between businesses and training providers through innovative programs.
Developing a strong local workforce enables local businesses to take advantage of new opportunities and support the economic development of the Northern Territory towards $40 billion by 2030.
NT winners in eligible categories will now progress to the Australian Training Awards to be held in Hobart on 17 November 2023.
Direct entry award category finalists for the Australian Training Awards have also been announced and the NT is represented by Brendan Reid, a finalist for the Excellence in Language, Literacy and Numeracy Practice Award, and Karen Sheldon who has been nominated for Outstanding Achievement in the VET and Skills Sector Award.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Business, Jobs and Training, Paul Kirby:
"The Territory Labor Government is investing $92 million towards training in the Territory to ensure Territorians can continue to access skills and training to meet current and future workforce needs of employers and businesses.
"The Northern Territory Training Awards celebrate the best-of-the best in vocational education and training from apprentices, to teachers to local businesses and registered training organisations.
"Congratulations to all of this year's winners and finalists for your achievements and outstanding contribution to the Territory's training sector."
Quotes attributable to Austin Asche Apprentice of the Year, Jack Higgins:
Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician
Employer: GTNT Group RTO: Charles Darwin University
"Electrical work is a challenging yet rewarding field that offers a range of opportunities for growth and development.
"I wanted to learn a trade that is both practical and technical, and after completing the Prelude to the Future program where I was able to get a taste of both the electrical and mechanical trades, the electrical industry seemed like the perfect fit for me and where I wanted to pursue a career."
Quotes attributable to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year, Porsche Cahill:
Certificate III in Laboratory Skills
Employer: GTNT Group RTO: ABC Training and Consulting
"I always wanted to work in the health industry because I love learning about the human body and helping people.
"Doing my traineeship at Menzies has given me so many new skills and knowledge. I'm proud of what I've achieved so far, but I'm excited for the future too.
"I want to make a positive difference in healthcare, especially for Indigenous communities."
2023 NT Training Award winners
Individual category winners
Trainee of the Year - Thanapat (Joe) KellieAustin Asche Apprentice of the Year - Jack HigginsVocational Student of the Year - Loan NguyenAboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year - Porsche CahillSchool-based Apprentice or Trainee of the Year - Lilly BrightVET in Schools Student of the Year - Luzena Chevalier-RobertsVET Teacher/Trainer of the Year - Sharon Stewart
Business category winners
Small Training Provider of the Year - Institute of Skills and Training AustraliaLarge Training Provider of the Year -Batchelor Institute of Indigenous Tertiary EducationIndustry Collaboration of the Year - Roper Gulf Cert III in Community Services Project - A collaboration between Roper Gulf Regional Council and Bradford Institute of Advanced EducationSmall Employer of the Year - Numburindi StoreLarge Employer of the Year - NEC
Northern Territory Government
