CDU unlocks education potential in Northern Australia

New teaching and training facilities to be built at Charles Darwin University (CDU) will unlock education potential across Northern Australia, preparing for a future where the dual sector University will reinvigorate industry growth in trades and manufacturing.

CDU’s new Trades Training Facility is ready for development, with tender applications for construction now being assessed and a decision anticipated by the end of the month.

At Casuarina campus, the 2400 square metre, two-storey building will feature a heavy equipment precinct, an assembly area and workshop space, an industrial sand pit, and classrooms.

The new facility is projected to cost $10 million, with $4.8 million invested from the Northern Territory Government’s annual VET Capital Grant for the ongoing development of Vocational Education and Training facilities, and the remainder from CDU.

CDU TAFE Pro Vice-Chancellor Mike Hamilton said the centre would provide a contemporary learning environment for students completing apprenticeships in essential trades.

“The new facility will provide a much-needed boost to training capacity at CDU, expanding current facilities to meet the demand of the Territory’s growing trade workforce,” he said.

“Initially we will be training carpentry and roof plumbing, but we aim to teach a number of different trade courses here. We are proud of our strong focus on upskilling Territorians for jobs that are in-demand not just in the NT, but across Northern Australia.”

The Developing Northern Australia Conference takes place in Darwin from Monday 24 July 2023, highlighting core issues, policies, solutions and outcomes over three days to build a more cohesive Northern Australia.

The training centre is the latest addition to an approximate $287 million invested in educational infrastructure in the NT, joining CDU’s $250 million Education and Community Precinct in Darwin CBD, $2 million Industry 4.0 Testlab and $25.8 million Centre for Better Health Futures.

CDU Acting Vice Chancellor Professor Fiona Coulson said CDU hopes to lead the way in empowering growth and innovation in the Territory through accessible education.

“As the largest training provider in the NT, CDU offers opportunities to Territorians to turn their passion into a rewarding career,” Professor Coulson said.

“Our practical courses in major employment sectors of health, trades and business build the future workforce of the Territory, tackling the unique challenges we face today to improve the lives of current and future generations.”  

Four presenters from CDU will be sharing their expertise in emerging ecosystem services, circular economies, and population data at the conference.

CDU is also a sponsor of the event.