30 June 2004

17 Northern Territory Indigenous students were today awarded for their welding and engineering studies undertaken through a new training program delivered at Charles Darwin University.

They have already attracted the interest of local employers.

“Local industry and proponents of major construction projects have shown interest in this new program and it is anticipated that many of the participants who successfully completed the program will be offered jobs,” said Jon Baker, General Manager of the Territory Construction Association.

All 17 students will receive a statement of attainment to recognise their specific areas of achievement. In addition, nine students have gained welder qualification to the structural steel welding standard AS2980 that confirms their ability to weld on large steel structures. Seven of the students are currently eligible to take part in the University’s October graduation ceremony to receive a Certificate Two in Engineering (production).

Left to Right: David Cook welding lecturer and Syd Stirling with Program participants Ben McCoy William McCoy and Alan Angus Image Baz Ledwidge

The event is the result of collaborative efforts between the Territory Construction Association (TCA) and the Northern Land Council (NLC) who, in consultation with the Welding Technology Institute of Australia, approached the NT and Commonwealth governments late in 2003 with a proposal to fund a Pre-apprenticeship Welding Program for Indigenous people.

“This program expands on the NLC/TCA strategic approach that has so far placed multiple Indigenous trainees and graduates in various employment opportunities across the Top End,” NLC Chief Executive, Norman Fry said.

With Indigenous people accounting for 27 per cent of the University’s VET students, Vice Chancellor Professor Helen Garnett said “the partnership approach for the program worked with the University’s efforts toward delivering a flexible, responsive approach to community and business training needs.”

The Pre-apprenticeship Welding Program was made possible through the NT Department of Education, Employment and Training and the Commonwealth Department of Employment and Workplace Relations who provided financial support totalling $138,000 to the 15-week program that started in February. The Program involved 11 weeks training conducted at the University and four weeks work placement training with local businesses.

"The Territory has skill shortages in a number of areas, including welding. This program is a great example of how we can address those shortages by working together to grow our own workforce and giving young Territorians the skills they need to take advantage of the many job opportunities opening up here," NT Minister for Employment, Education and Training, Syd Stirling, said today.

The event will occur from 10am today at Building 26, Casuarina Campus - a map is located at www.cdu.edu.au/campusmaps