The funding provided under the NSA is almost double that of previous funding arrangements. Photo: NT Govt
The Federal and Northern Territory governments have signed the five-year National Skills Agreement (NSA) to provide up to $155 million to the Territory’s skills and training sector from January 2024.
Devised and agreed to by the National Cabinet, the National Skills Agreement replaces and provides almost double the funding of the previous National Agreement for Skills and Workforce Development.
Chief Minister Natasha Fyles said her government advocated for the deal through National Cabinet and said it will “help boost our skilled opportunities and will help meet our workforce shortfall in critical sectors”.
“We know how important it is for Territory students to have access to learning and training opportunities and courses,” she said. “As well as business having access to homegrown skilled workers.
“The Territory Labor Government continues to have a large investment in skills, with one of the highest ratios of state allocated government funds for VET (Vocational Education Training).”
The agreement includes a range of reforms, which expands the Territory’s support to further develop regional and remote communities, and ensure they have the workforce they need.
The NT Government says it is also complementary to reforms underway in skilled migration, and will assist in addressing workforce shortages over the longer term in the NT by providing local training opportunities and supporting the achievement of a $40 billion economy by 2030.
Minister for Business, Jobs and Training Paul Kirby said the Territory and Federal Governments worked together to show their commitment to skilling Territorians and improving the workforce.
“We need to train people now for the jobs of the future so we are ready to capitalise on projects that continue to bolster our economy,” he said.
“In the NT, 92 per cent of VET graduates in the NT were employed and/or continued on to further study after completing their training – well above the national average and the highest result in Australia.”
Federal Member for Solomon Luke Gosling added: “This National Skills Agreement, combined with our Fee-Free TAFE places, will mean more aged care workers, more child care workers, more hospitality workers, and more Territorians with the skills that they need, but also the skills that our economy needs.”
“This investment is on top of $414 million already committed for the delivery of a nationwide total of 300,000 Fee-Free TAFE places from 2024.”
“This creates more opportunities for young people, for mature age Territorians, for people living with disability, and for regional and remote learners – as well as improving women’s economic participation and Closing the Gap for Aboriginal Territorians.”
