Training program supports local growth and skill sets in the Territory

Charles Darwin University (CDU) has recently collaborated with KPMG to create a five-day training program that supports the local growth and retention of skill sets in the Northern Territory.

In collaboration with KPMG, CDU’s Career Centre held an Accelerated Consulting Skills Program at CDU’s Casuarina campus.

The program, available to CDU students from any discipline aims to attract students who are interested in a career in consultancy in the Northern Territory for at least three years. The course will substitute as an application and first round interview with KPMG Darwin. 

More than 100 CDU students applied for the program with the Careers Centre team shortlisting this based on the quality of applications and eligibility criteria with 20 applications being shortlisted.

CDU Director of Student Engagement Sarah Fletcher said this program is vital in providing students with additional training to support workplace readiness.

“The Accelerated Consulting Skills Program is a wonderful opportunity for our students to gain vital training so that when the time comes, they are ready to enter the workforce,” Ms Fletcher said.

“Collaborating with KPMG allows our students to develop their skills so that the NT’s growing business demands can be met, and our students have further employment opportunities available to them.”    

The program provided students with knowledge around how to define client problem statements, deliver effective presentations and proposal templates and provided a guide for financial performance reviews.

At the end of the week students were invited to participate in a group mock interview with trainers and facilitators from KPMG who provided detailed feedback and further tips and tricks.

KPMG Managing Partner Northern Territory Derek Campbell said that KPMG is thrilled to partner with CDU to support the growth of local skills and talent.

“Our ongoing intent is to provide insight and pathways for employment in the Territory, and we are excited to work with CDU to contributing to growing and retaining local talent,” Mr Campbell said.

“The training week has set a benchmark for future partnerships for us nationally, showing how we can help grow capabilities in the communities where we operate.”

In 2022, graduates from CDU dominated the intake for the KPMG Darwin graduate program for management consultants with students taking five out of six places available. CDU currently has eight graduates working with the KPMG Darwin office.