New Jobs For Indigenous People
New employment opportunities for Indigenous people are arising from a new commercial contract between MacDonnell Shire Council and the Power and Water Corporation.
The contract is about new jobs-Essential Service Trainees, created by extending the hours of current part time staff. Both organisations have long term goals of increasing the employment of Indigenous people to enable them to undertake new responsibilities on communities.
The Chief Executive Officer of MacDonnell Shire, Diane Hood, believes this is a great opportunity for the advancement of community employees and reflects the Council's key aim of increasing employment and skills in communities.
She commented that ten staff currently working in the Shire's community work teams will be trained so they can work along the specialist officer in charge of essential services, and relieve when needed.
"It means a chance for them to gain new skills with Australia-wide recognition and real potential to change their lives," Ms Hood said.
As well as having the challenge of a new skilfull job and the satisfaction that flows from this, the trainees receive higher wages, and ultimately the ability to earn more money during the whole of their workingllives.
"It means new opportunities for individuals, and benefits the shire, and Power and Water, by increasing capacity to ensure the ongoing provision of essential services in communities."
Ms Hood praised the Power and Water Corporation for supporting the program and the training.
The training itself will be provided by Charles Darwin University with the nationally accredited Certficate 2 in Electro-technology.
Group Training NT will carry out additional practical education in the field.
"It's fulfilling to see see these organisations work together to help communities, individuals, and ultimately our society produce tangible work outcomes," Ms Hood said.
"Power and Water should be commended on enabling this initiative and supporting real jobs in communities."