In a move designed to steer the Northern Territory’s workforce into a future brimming with skilled professionals, both the Territory and Federal Governments have inked a landmark five-year National Skills Agreement (NSA). This announcement, set to take effect from January next year, supersedes the National Agreement for Skills and Workforce Development (NASWD), amplifying the commitment with an investment of up to $155 million—around $80 million more than previous allocations under the NASWD Special Purpose Payments.

Let’s break down the nuts and bolts of this transformative deal. The NSA is not just another policy document gathering dust in government offices. It’s a dynamic blueprint, synergising with existing reforms in skilled migration to address chronic workforce shortages. It also outlines a roadmap for fostering local Training opportunities. The aim? Achieving a $40 billion economy by 2030, because nothing says “we’re open for business” like a well-trained, capable workforce.

The Northern Territory isn’t new to the vocational education and training (VET) game. Historically, it has been a substantial funder, contributing 82% of the funding to the sector. That’s no pocket change and significantly eclipses the national average, which stands at 60%. The NT also enjoys an enviably high level of student and employer satisfaction. A whopping 90% of all government-funded VET graduates express satisfaction with their training, and this figure rises to 95% for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander graduates. Moreover, 84% of employers in the NT are happy with the training system—a statistic that speaks volumes about its efficacy.

But what do the authorities have to say? Chief Minister Natasha Fyles highlighted that the agreement is no mere token but a significant boost for skilled opportunities that can address the workforce shortfall in crucial sectors. “We know how important it is for Territory students to have access to learning and training opportunities and courses. As well as business having access to homegrown skilled workers,” said Fyles.

Not to be outdone, Paul Kirby, the Minister for Business, Jobs and Training, stated that this investment is all about skilling up Territorians for the jobs of tomorrow. According to Kirby, an impressive 92% of VET graduates in the NT either find employment or go on to further study upon completion of their training, a statistic that outshines the national average.

Federal Member for Solomon, Luke Gosling OAM MP, pointed out that the NSA isn’t the only game in town. It will dovetail neatly with the 300,000 Fee-Free TAFE places to be offered nationwide from 2024, thanks to an additional $414 million commitment. “This creates more opportunities for young people, for mature age Territorians, for people living with disability, and for regional and remote learners,” he said.

So what’s the bigger picture? The NSA is part of a broader push to develop the NT as a region where people don’t just live and work but thrive. Charles Darwin University TAFE, the Northern Territory’s largest training provider, is equally committed to this vision. The organisation is actively extending its reach across the territory with on-country training and other resources, aimed at meeting the diverse needs of regional and remote communities.

In a nutshell, the National Skills Agreement isn’t just throwing money at a problem; it’s a meticulously planned strategy for economic rejuvenation. The Territory is ready to show that, with the right investment in skills and training, they’re not just chasing rainbows but are on the fast track to becoming a rainbow economy—one as vibrant and diverse as the people who call it home.

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The Northern Territory & Federal Governments have signed a five-year National Skills Agreement (NSA) to invest in #skills & #workforce development, aiming to boost the territory's #economy & address workforce shortages. #TheIndianSunhttps://t.co/Oiwl3reWHn

— The Indian Sun (@The_Indian_Sun) October 23, 2023

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