ISTA was named Small Provider of the Year at the NT Training Awards last year and then went on to collect the national title a few months later.

The organisation won the Territory title again this year. Chief Executive Kathryn Stenson says the awards created “a sense of excitement and motivation” among team members.

“This recognition has not only boosted our collective confidence but also sharpened our focus on excellence in every aspect of our work.” she says.

“The awards have inspired each team member to strive for improvement in their individual roles, pushing us to expand our horizons and take on new challenges.

“As a result, we’ve seen a marked increase in our capabilities, with everyone eager to contribute to our growing success and push the boundaries of what we can achieve together.”

ISTA is a small, dynamic training provider with a core team of just four members.

“This compact size allows us to be incredibly versatile and adaptive, showcasing our diverse skill-set while constantly creating new capabilities.”

ISTA is focussing on expanding further into remote and regional areas, particularly Alice Springs, Tennant Creek and Katherine, and continuing a collaboration with the Barunga and Beswick communities, providing them with the skills and knowledge to launch and manage their new social club.

Ms Stenson says vocational education and training equip Territorians with practical, jobspecific skills that enhance their employability and career prospects, while simultaneously addressing industry needs for a skilled workforce.

“For the economy, VET plays a crucial role in boosting productivity, driving innovation, and increasing global competitiveness by creating a workforce capable of meeting the evolving demands of various sectors.

“VET offers a faster route to employment compared with traditional academic paths, making it an effective tool for reducing unemployment and addressing skills shortages in the job market.”