Unlocking educational potential in Northern Australia

Charles Darwin University’s new trades training facility is ready for development, with tender applications for construction now being assessed.

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

The 2,400m² two-storey building at the Casuarina campus will feature a heavy equipment precinct, an assembly area and workshop space, an industrial sand pit, and classrooms.

The 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 says the centre will 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,” Hamilton says.

“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 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, the $2 million Industry 4.0 Testlab and $25.8 million Centre for Better Health Futures.

CDU Acting Vice Chancellor Professor Fiona Coulson says 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,” Coulson says.

“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.”