Learning opportunities and employment outcomes for Indigenous secondary students in Darwin, Palmerston and Darwin rural regions will be significantly increased as a result of the recent signing of two Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs).
The MoUs involve a partnership agreement between Career Advice Australia, Local Community Partnerships (LCP) provider YouthworX NT and Charles Darwin University.
Casuarina and Palmerston campuses have both signed MoUs for the ‘Adopt-a-School Project’ and further extend the accessibility of skill development courses.
Director People Management and Development, Celia Pollard, said that under the Adopt-a-School Project both CDU and YouthworX NT will be offering 18 student placements per term at Casuarina and two at Palmerston, across the University’s faculties and departments.
‘The Indigenous Pre Work Programme and Indigenous Work Placement Programme have been specifically designed to expose students to a range of valuable skills and to gain recognised qualifications at different stages in their learning,’ she said
YouthworX NT Project Manager, Natasha Angelo, explained that by offering student placements in a large organisation like CDU, we are able to introduce them to a wider range of core values, work processes and hands-on learning.
‘Participation will enhance their skill development, provide a clearer understanding of their role as an employee, improve their future employment options and provide them the opportunity to explore the many career and/or study pathways available to them,’ she further added.
Palmerston campus administrator, Nyree Terry said, ‘This is an excellent
opportunity for the University to engage with and support the learning of our secondary school students by offering educational, professional and personal growth experiences for young people. The Palmerston Campus is very glad to have formed a partnership enabling them to be involved with these types of programs.’
CDU secondary school liaison, Trisha Kohlweg, explained the intrinsic value of the initiative.
‘By having University campuses in central locations across the Territory and with easy access to our Indigenous academic support services this is a perfect opportunity for all secondary students to get involved. We are looking forward to making this a rewarding year for all concerned, she said.
If you would like more information, please contact, Trisha on 8946 6387 or email: trisha.kohlweg@cdu.edu.au.