The Northern Territory is set to enjoy a renewed focus on vocational training with Charles Darwin University (CDU) launching CDU TAFE, a dedicated TAFE area focusing on future growth and job opportunities in the Northern Territory.

The more focused and streamlined structure has taken over from CDU’s previous Vocational Education and Training (VET) model.

CDU TAFE will also aim to better meet the needs of those in regional and remote communities, through formalized from other local RTOs into its courses, and development of new direct pathways from its TAFE courses into CDU’s higher education degrees.

An expansion of course offerings on the cards as part of the establishment of CDU TAFE with three new courses, a Certificate IV in Cyber Management, Certificate III in Aviation (Remote Pilot) and a short course Webdev Client-Side Scripting being some of the new courses available to students in 2023.

CDU TAFE will continue to offer its existing suite of training courses, with no impact on current students, and expand its course offering to reflect the changing face of the Northern Territory’s skilled workforce needs.

Former Director VET Strategy and Growth at CDU Michael Hamilton has been appointed as the new Pro Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of CDU TAFE, with more than 20 years’ experience working in the vocational training sector behind him.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Business, Jobs and Training, Paul Kirby:

“CDU TAFE will allow Territory VET students, trainees and apprentices to focus their energy and learning onto specific trades, to ensure their time in the classroom best prepares them for their time on the site.

“The establishment of CDU TAFE will provide more opportunities for those wanting to further their training here, and will make the Territory a more attractive option to develop skills and to join a strong and robust workforce.”

Quotes attributable to CDU Vice-Chancellor, Professor Scott Bowman:

“The opportunities for vocational education have changed and have increased significantly so it’s critical that the University is set up to deliver and offer more opportunities to develop skills and training for all Territorians.

“Establishing CDU TAFE means that we can be more agile to pursue growth opportunities in a rapidly changing training environment.

“Michael is a wonderful leader and I know with him at the helm, CDU TAFE will thrive.

 “CDU is ready to fulfil its vision of being Australia’s most connected university and is best placed to develop the Territory’s vocational education and training system and ensure Territorians are able to obtain the necessary skills and knowledge to fill workforce gaps.”

Quotes attributable to CDU TAFE Pro Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive, Michael Hamilton:

“It is no secret that workforce limitations have impacted the Territory’s growth and CDU TAFE will provide a boom for future training to help better meet the needs of industry, employers and regional and remote communities.

 “At CDU TAFE we look forward to developing more courses to make the most of the opportunities to build a highly-skilled workforce in the Territory.

The (update), attended a launch event today, unveiling a plaque to commemorate the establishment of CDU TAFE.”

Source: NT Government newsroom