The latest addition to Charles Darwin University’s (CDU) Trades Precinct is now underway, with construction commencing on the CDU Trades Training Centre at Casuarina campus.

Aspire Design and Construct Executive Director Lisa Jenkinson, Minister for Skills, Training and International Education Joel Bowden, CDU Vice-Chancellor Professor Scott Bowman and CDU TAFE Chief Executive Mike Hamilton visited the the construction site recently to view the works in progress. (See photo above.)

The Trades Centre’s ongoing design and construction will be led by local Darwin company Aspire Design and Construct, and is expected to be complete by the third quarter of 2024.

Mr Bowden said the Territory Labor Government recognised the need to grow a skilled, agile and capable workforce for the Territory.

“The Northern Territory Government is investing $4.8 million to help strengthen vocational education and training pathways for Territorians.

“The Territory needs an innovative, capable and skilled workforce to meet industry demands and we are committed to delivering more accessible training pathways for Territorians.

“The Northern Territory Government is investing in apprenticeships and traineeships to maximise job opportunities for Territorians and, to support business and industry build workforce they need now and into the future.”

The two-storey Centre features a heavy equipment precinct, an assembly area, an industrial sand pit, and classrooms.

The $10 million project includes a $4.8 million invested from the Northern Territory Government’s VET Capital Grant for the ongoing development of Vocational Education and Training facilities, and the remainder funding through CDU.

Professor Bowman said the new Centre would be used to deliver in-demand courses to support the Territory’s trades, with an initial focus on carpentry and roof plumbing.

“Our commitment to providing modern facilities for vocational education is evident in the new Trades Centre, which will prepare apprentices with skills they need to succeed,” Professor Bowman said.

“We want to support the construction industry here in the Territory with practical courses that can help address skills shortages, filling the need for qualified apprentices in trades that are essential for housing and infrastructure developments.”

Mr Hamilton said the University has enhanced trades training and the student experience by providing high quality equipment, industry-relevant curriculum, and collaborations with leading trade professionals.

“The Centre will offer a dynamic learning environment that will contribute to the professional growth of our students,” Mr Hamilton said.

“CDU TAFE aims to give Territorians unique training opportunities. The apprentices who train here will contribute their newfound skills back into NT businesses and improve the local workforce’s capacity to meet the demands of a rapidly changing industry.”

Ms Jenkinson said modern facilities for teaching and learning in the trades would benefit the future of construction in the Territory.

“Aspire is proud to be part of CDU’s expansion of their core training centre,” Ms Jenkinson said.

“Carpentry and roof plumbing are key trades in the construction industry, and to have modern facilities will only enhance the successful completion of these trades to support NT growth now, and more importantly for many years to come.

“The NT economy relies on the construction industry, and we all need to support its growth. Many of these students will grow to be our future and become builders in their own right. We wish CDU the greatest success, our tradesmen and the industry leaders of the future.”