A TAFE IS BORN
Charles Darwin University marked a significant milestone in January 2023 when it re-established the Northern Territory’s only TAFE provider.
The launch aligned with the Fee-Free TAFE Campaign, which played a key role in driving its rapid growth.
Recognising the need for agility and responsiveness to industry demands, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive TAFE Michael Hamilton swiftly assembled a dedicated team to spearhead the transformative initiative.
“We’re here to serve the Northern Territory with first-class, responsive and agile training,” he says. “Our flexibility allows us to quickly design custom training solutions to meet specific needs.”
This adaptability and dedication have driven remarkable outcomes.
CDU TAFE’s commercial fee-forservice revenue has tripled, while student enrolments have grown from 9000 to 11,200 in the first year.
“We are continuing to grow the business and meet the demands of industry for the benefit of the Northern Territory.”
One early success story involved Katherine-based Fletcher’s Plumbing & Gas Fitting, which secured a lucrative poly pipe contract but needed to upskill nine workers quickly.
Facing the high cost of flying in specialists from Victoria, owner Lawrence Fletcher turned to CDU TAFE for support. Within a week, a fully-qualified lecturer was dispatched from Darwin to deliver a tailored training package on-site.
“It was great service,” says Mr Fletcher. “I was very happy.”
With trainers operating across all CDU campuses — spanning Darwin, Katherine, Alice Springs, Tennant Creek and Nhulunbuy — the TAFE provides accessible, high-quality training.
In addition to training at CDU campuses, dedicated staff travel to many remote locations and communities to ensure a broad range of services are available to all Territorians.
“Our Katherine team works tirelessly, often assessing students on cattle stations while sleeping in swags,” Mr Hamilton says.
Similarly, CDU TAFE’s Civil Team has seen great success training First Nations people in Central Australia, many of whom have secured employment.
CDU TAFE offers a diverse range of courses, from traditional trades such as plumbing, carpentry, and engineering to modern fields such as IT, cybersecurity, health, tourism and aviation.
SILVER MEDALIST
In recognition of its achievements, CDU TAFE was named Large Training Provider of the Year at the 2024 NT Training Awards and runner up at the 2024 Australian Training Awards.
The winning application highlighted the challenges and opportunities of delivering training across vast and remote regions. “Being selected as a finalist is a testament to the hard work of our staff,” says Mr Hamilton.
Its innovative training environment includes equipping Territory Generation workers with advanced gas qualifications and skills, and partnering with Humpty Doo Barramundi to support aquaculture initiatives.
The TAFE also holds major contracts with Defence and the Department of Corrections. Defence personnel are trained in trades such as engineering, electronics and construction within a national TAFE consortium, while trainers deliver programs in Darwin and Alice Springs prisons, covering agriculture, community services and more.
CDU TAFE’s strong partnerships with the Territory and Federal governments, industry bodies and private training organisations underscore its integral role in the region’s development.
As Australia’s first dual-sector university, CDU continues to innovate and grow, solidifying its position as a leader in vocational education and training.
To inquire about TAFE courses, visit cdu.edu.au/tafe