The government’s new skills plan is all about vocational training for the NT’s students. Photo: Northern Territory Government.
The Northern Territory Government has announced the Skills NT Plan for 2026-2029, laying out how the CLP intends to grow the workforce.
One of the plan’s renewed emphases is on better preparing the Territory’s students for key priority sectors of the economy.
Within the plan, the government will work with industry, students, apprentices, RTOs and businesses to create opportunities for Territorians.
The government will support further investment and workforce development across key priority industries: defence, energy, agriculture, tourism, gas, mining and hospitality.
“Our vision is clear — we will strengthen the VET sector, improve training quality and completion rates, and ensure training is aligned with the workforce needs of our economy,” Minister for Education and Training Jo Hersey said.
“We will support industry growth by delivering skills in priority areas and create stronger career pathways for young Territorians.
“We want our school students to see a future here in the Territory. That means creating more opportunities for young people to commence an apprenticeship or traineeship while completing their schooling, giving them practical skills, qualifications and a pathway into a rewarding career.”
The plan’s four main priorities are strengthening Vocational Education and Training (VET), supporting industry growth, promoting career pathways and improving overall training.
The government hopes that by meeting these targets, it can deliver the Territory’s housing targets, commercial projects, defence projects and civil infrastructure.
Master Builders NT CEO Sallyanne Innes said: “This new strategy is a very positive step and has clearly been developed with industry in mind.
“Government has listened to employers, training providers and industry representatives, heard the challenges being raised and acted on that feedback. That is exactly the approach industry wants to see.”
