ALA

EDUCATION AND TRAINING MINISTER

14 September 2008

The Northern Territory’s very best trainees, apprentices, trainers and employers were honoured last night at the annual NT Training Awards.

Employment and Training Minister, Marion Scrymgour congratulated the winners for their outstanding work within their industries.

“Apprentices and trainees are essential to maintaining our strong economy as they build a skilled workforce which is necessary for the Territory’s continuing growth,” Ms Scrymgour said.

“As a Government we came up with idea of Jobs Plan 3, a long term strategy designed to encourage young people to take up an apprenticeship or trade.

“Jobs plan 3 has produced the real result of 10 000 new apprentices and trainees within 4 years.

“The Henderson Government has committed an additional $1 million to continue building a more skilled workforce.

“We’ve stepped up our target and we’re now aiming for another 10 000 apprentices and trainees to begin learning a craft from 2009.

“I want to thank the teachers and employers who take the time to invest in young Territorians by guiding them as they develop their skills.

“I also commend the trainees and apprentices who are working hard, planning for the future and taking on the challenge of learning new skills.

“The awards were a great opportunity to celebrate the efforts of so many people across many different industries.”

Ms Scrymgour congratulated the winners, many of whom will now represent the Northern Territory at the 2008 Australian Training Awards to be held at the Darwin Convention Centre in November.

“Our economy is strong and unemployment is the lowest in the country, Territorians are working hard and it will be our apprentices and trainees who continue to build the Territory into the future.

Media Contact: Bethaney Jensen 0423 593 999