The Power and Water Corporation and Charles Darwin University have entered a six-year, multi-million dollar agreement in which the University provides Power and Water with a complete range of training services for its operational and professional staff, in addition to apprentice recruitment and training.
Power and Water’s Managing Director, Kim Wood, said this training deal, which the University will deliver in association with Territory organisations Connell Wagner and Group Training NT, shows Power and Water’s commitment to ensuring the technical and professional career development of staff.
“Securing this agreement, valued around $18 million over six years, will provide Power and Water with a comprehensive, streamlined approach to training, ensuring our staff have the right skills to do the job,” said Mr Wood.
CDU’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Helen Garnett, said this important agreement confirmed the University’s focus on working with industry and in the workplace.
It was an example of the University’s commitment to providing leadership in the future of the Territory, she said.
“The University is a dual sector institution, which means we can assist large organisations like this across the board, from basic hands-on training of apprentices in the workplace to post-graduate technical and management study for their senior staff,” Professor Garnett said.
Power and Water’s Managing Director Kim Wood said his organisation – like many other NT employers – was experiencing skills shortages in many of its traditional trade areas throughout the Territory.
“We are working with the University to overcome these shortages through an increased intake of apprentices,” said Mr Wood.
“This year our intake increased from last year’s record of 13, to 16 apprentices for 2006. The trades these 16 apprentices are undertaking include Linesworker, System Electrician, Instrumentation, Communications, Mechanics and Plumbers.”