Australia's National Local Government Newspaper Online

Employment training for Aboriginal workers

While unemployment is currently a problem throughout the country, some groups are significantly more disadvantaged in employment prospects than others. Aboriginal people suffer disadvantage in numerous ways including health care, education and other key areas relating to personal and professional opportunity.

Enhancing employment prospects through skills training, gives disadvantaged groups a way of achieving a degree of empowerment and self determination.

Recognising this, in August, Alice Springs Town Council introduced its Aboriginal Employment and Training Program. As well as improving Town amenities, it will provide valuable training and hence employment opportunities for program participants.

The special works program provides funds for the construction of cycle tracks, footpaths and driveways. It has a budget of $308,000. Rather than being carried out by a traditional combination of day labour and contractors, the work will include an allocation specifically for Aboriginal training. Trainees will be able to learn the skills involved in concreting and infrastructure work carried out by Councils throughout the country.

The training will provide a certificate accredited with the Vocational Education and Training Sector, recognised not only in the Northern Territory, but all other State and Territory Training authorities. To ensure its success, Council prepared a report on issues including industrial relations considerations, the process of selecting a contractor to manage the project and the contents of a tender specification. This involved consultation between the Town Engineer, Manager Financial Services and Unions.

For further information contact Bob Turner, telephone (08) 8950 0500.

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