The Ready to Work program is expanding after initial successes. Photo: Northern Territory Government.
A Northern Territory pilot program helping prisoners gain stable employment has reached a major milestone, with 100 participants now enrolled.
The measure from the Finocchiaro CLP Government takes practical action to reduce crime and grow the Territory’s workforce.
Workskil Australia launched the Ready to Work program in partnership with the Department of Corrections. The program, which began in Darwin, has expanded across the NT.
Ready to Work provides people in custody and on Community Corrections Orders with tailored training, mentoring and ongoing support to help them prepare for employment.
Minister for Corrections Gerard Maley said that by connecting participants with job opportunities, Ready to Work reduced the likelihood of reoffending and supported reintegration with the community.
“Programs like this do more than help prisoners find a job,” Mr Maley said. ”By providing ongoing support after release, we are helping participants sustain long-term employment, gain independence and contribute to their communities.”
Since March, 295 referrals have been made to the Ready to Work program.
The scheme has also expanded to Alice Springs, with plans to expand to Tennant Creek, Katherine and Nhulunbuy later this year.
Workskil Australia general manager youth, justice and industry Alex Apostolakis said: “So far, in total, 111 individuals have commenced the program, and we are hopeful of up to 800 participants over the two-year period as we expand the service.”
Workskil engages with local industries including construction, mining, manufacturing, services and agribusiness, connecting participants with important sectors in the NT economy and addressing workforce shortages.
Participants are expected to subsequently secure work as factory workers, traffic controllers, plant operators, cleaners and labourers and in other roles.
The program, developed to meet the NT’s needs, is based on a similar scheme in South Australia, which has seen 52 per cent of participants secure jobs and reduced recidivism.
