Industry Collaboration Award

Sponsored by the Ichthys Project.

Winner: Motor Trades Association NT in collaboration with Department of Correctional Services and Centre for Appropriate Technology

The Board of the MTA in the NT identified the need to be proactive around issues of skill and staff shortages and low retention rates impacting on the local automotive industry. The MTA Indigenous Employment Program collaboration was formed to address this, focussing on skills development in areas such as detailing, tyre fitting and general trades assistant roles.

Under the project, 36 prisoners are being trained in automotive industry skills. Participants are carefully identified and Certificate I in Automotive Vocational Preparation delivered by CAT. Work experience placements are sourced through the MTA’s industry networks and mentoring provided. Support services and training are provided covering life skills, driver licencing, white card, first aid and other relevant courses.

Participants that successfully complete Certificate I move on to Certificate II with the support services continuing. Stage three involves participants moving into paid employment with ongoing mentoring to ensure employment is sustained. Participants involved in the Alice Springs-based component of the project have successfully moved into paid employment. The MTA Indigenous Employment Program’s unique blend of training, mentoring supports, work experience and development of rounded employment skills is leading to real jobs and support for prisoners to change their lives.

Runner up: IE Project in collaboration with Batchelor Institute of Indigenous Tertiary Education

60+ Jobs was a collaboration between IE Project and Batchelor Institute of Indigenous Tertiary Education to increase Aboriginal employment by providing wraparound support services to participants undergoing training for jobs. The aim of the two-year project that wound up in March 2015 was to see a direct pathway from training to sustainable employment.

The project success relied on strong industry connections, innovative practices and flexible learning. The team worked with employers to identify jobs and skills requirements, co-ordinating work experience placements during training and providing support services to participants from the start of pre-employment training. Cross cultural training was also conducted at the start of the process to assist trainees to ‘walk in two worlds’.

There was no one-size-fits-all approach to training delivery. Training was designed specifically to meet each job opportunity identified and pledged. The range and variety of jobs included hospitality, grounds maintenance, pre-apprenticeship training, community service, administrative, construction and childcare.

Training largely delivered skillsets and participants went on to employment, some completing certificate qualifications relevant to their new careers. Examples include childcare, community services and trade apprenticeships. The 60+ Jobs project has directly transformed the lives of 104 people who commenced on pre-employment programs.


Give feedback about this page.

Share this page:

URL copied!