‘There is a demand for Indigenous workers that understand the inherent needs of the community’: New upskill program launched

A new traineeship has been launched to upskill Aboriginal Territorians in the aged-care and disability sector.

CHARLES Darwin University has launched a new traineeship to upskill Aboriginal Territorians in the aged-care and disability sector.

The Support Worker Traineeship is set to begin in July 2021, and is a partnership between the university and Santos.

The $75,000 investment in the program combines training and on-the-job experience to prepare students for ongoing employment.

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The program will train 10 Aboriginal students, who will receive a Certificate III in Individual Support (Aged and Disability), which is a key qualif­ication to work in aged-care and disability support.

The university’s Dean of Health Dominic Upton said the demand for Aboriginal workers in the NT’s disability sector was high.

“Greater support and investment to encourage Aboriginal community workers into careers in disability services in the NT is vital,” Professor Upton said.

“There is a demand for Indigenous workers that understand the inherent needs of the community in the sector.

“This program invests directly back into the community and will be good for the welfare of children, families and communities in the Territory.”

Santos managing director and chief executive Kevin Gallagher said the company was proud to offer more training opportunities to Territorians.