Training by Charles Darwin University in Nhulunbuy has led to a mini jobs boom for Indigenous people.
CDU, in collaboration with the Department of Education and Training (DET), offered the Resources and Infrastructure skill sets training at Milingimbi and Galiwin’ku to up-skill East Arnhem Shire Council CDEP participants with the potential for future employment.
Manager of Marthakal Employment Services, Paul Anderson, congratulated CDU VET lecturer, Barry Whalan on his ability to understand the needs and requirements of the clients and customise his teaching.
As a result of the training, three participants have progressed into the New Enterprise Incentive Scheme program to start their own business in manufacturing steel furniture. Five participants have gained employment full-time in building projects with SIHIP and two have full-time work with East Arnhem Shire.
Several employment outcomes also steamed from the training delivered in Milingimbi by CDU VET lecturer, Neil Jones. The East Arnhem Shire Council CDEP Manager, Mark Catton at Milingimbi, was very impressed with the increase in the employability skills of trainees. Two participants have gained full-time work with the East Arnhem Shire and others are currently working with the Milingimbi Arts Centre.
The training program was jointly funded by CDU, Job Services Australia (Marthakal for Galiwin’ku), the DET Indigenous Response Program.