A network of registered training organisations (RTOs) has been established for the north eastern region of East Arnhem to increase value and opportunities of training in the region.
Charles Darwin University (CDU) joined the NT Chamber of Commerce, Northern Territory Group Training, Nhulunbuy High School (also an RTO) and the Batchelor Institute of Indigenous Tertiary Education for the first meeting held 22 November 2006.
The group discussed strategies to maximise training coordination and outcomes in the east Arnhem region and identified training strengths.
CDU Nhulunbuy administrator Carina Bekkers attended the meeting and said all parties recognised the value of identifying each others’ strengths and sharing resources.
She expects the east Arnhem region will continue to experience solid economic growth driven by mining and tourism ventures and Indigenous participation in the workforce.
‘Registered Training Organisations in the region have recognised the demand for a wide range of training options,’ she said. ‘By communicating and sharing, RTOs here can focus their limited resources on niche areas and together provide a wider range of courses.’
Principal of the Nhulunbuy High School, Kerryn Oliver, is the CEO of the Nhulunbuy Regional Training Organisation and initiated the first meeting.
Kerryn said the value of RTOs increased when each institution clearly defined its client base.
‘It’s ineffective to offer all courses to everybody and duplicate services in the bush,’ she said. ‘It’s about getting a picture of what we are doing and there is more value in RTOs when our client base is set,’ she said.
The RTO network group will initially meet bi-monthly throughout the year and plans to invite other external RTO’s operating in the region.
CDU Nhulunbuy teaches vocational studies in business, IT and children services, and assists in the delivery of external studies such as in nursing and teaching. The University also works closely with the local mining company, Alcan Gove, in the areas of research and training.