University launches CDU TAFE to better support the Territory’s training and skills

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

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

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. 

CDU Vice-Chancellor Professor Scott Bowman said the changing nature and role of vocational education and training to support industry and the need to position our University for the future led to the creation of CDU TAFE.  

“The opportunities for vocational education and training 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,” Professor Bowman said.

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

“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. This will ensure Territorians are able to obtain the necessary skills and knowledge to fill workforce gaps.”

Professor Bowman also announced Michael Hamilton’s appointment as the new Pro Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of CDU TAFE.

Mr Hamilton who was the former Director VET Strategy and Growth at CDU, has over 20 years’ experience working in the vocational training sector and has held several senior roles within CDU. 

Professor Bowman said he looks forward to working with Mr Hamilton in this new capacity.

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

CDU TAFE will also aim to better meet the needs of those in regional and remote communities with a newly created role, Deputy Chief Executive Central Australia, to help capitalize on the training opportunities throughout the Territory.

Mr Hamilton said the establishment of CDU TAFE is an exciting opportunity for vocational training in the Northern Territory. 

“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,” Mr Hamilton said.

Mr Hamilton said expanding course offerings was on the cards as part of the establishment of CDU TAFE with three new courses, a Certificate IV in Cyber Security, 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.

“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,” he said.  

The Northern Territory’s Minister for Business, Jobs and Training Paul Kirby attended a launch event today, unveiling a plaque to commemorate the establishment of CDU TAFE.  

Minister Kirby said CDU TAFE would be a critical component to strengthening and diversifying the Northern Territory’s workforce.

“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,” Minister Kirby said.

“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.”

For more information on CDU TAFE and the courses on offer see here.