$1.7 Million training contract for CDU to upskill prisoners in the NT

A new agreement has been signed between Northern Territory Correctional Services and Charles Darwin University. CDU TAFE will now run vocational training at both correctional centres in the Northern Territory. 

The two-year contract will see educators from CDU Alice Springs, Katherine and Darwin campuses deliver behind bars learning with a focus on preparing current inmates to reintegrate into society.

Courses will range from accredited vocational education training, literacy, and numeracy as well as social outcomes and personal development. 

Upskilling long-term prisoners on internal industries will also be part of the learning plans, such as cooking, warehousing, laundry, cleaning and, gardens. 

CDU TAFE Pro-Vice Chancellor Michael Hamilton said this agreement will provide inmates with essential opportunities and skills to hopefully break the cycle of reincarceration. 

“CDU is looking to provide holistic training that upskills prisoners with both career and personal life skills, the goal is that this training will create more positive outcomes for individuals who find themselves within the criminal justice system,” Mr Hamilton said. 

“By providing industry skills both for long-term and short-term prisoners CDU hopes to improve job readiness for individuals who will be reintegrated into society as well as soft skills to hopefully keep them from reoffending.”

CDU Vice-Chancellor Professor Scott Bowman AO said CDU hopes to inspire inmates with accessible education. 

“As the largest training provider in the NT CDU offers opportunities for all Territorians no matter their background,” Professor Bowman said. 

“Through training in corrections, we are engaging with an incredibly unique cohort of individuals who face unique challenges but also deserve stability and hope.” 

Quotes attributable to Attorney General and Minister for Justice Chansey Paech

“The Territory Labor Government’s Aboriginal Justice Agreement aims to reduce offending and imprisonment rates, and we know that education is imperative to achieving this.

“Qualifications and accreditations from CDU are widely recognised across the Northern Territory, and will not only prepare prisoners to become work ready but will improve their scope of post-release employment.

“CDU’s expertise in providing vocational education and training is well established, and this contract is an investment in skills development and training opportunities which will help set prisoners on a better path towards reducing future contact with the justice system.”

NTG media release.