25 Feb 2026
New Jobseeker Transition Program
In the Tiwi Islands, one of Australia’s most remote regions, a new jobseeker transition program is helping young First Nations people move from school into training and employment in ways that build on their strengths and aspirations. The program tackles the real and practical challenges young people face as they move toward their first job, offering support that extends well beyond the classroom.
Across the Top End, many school leavers encounter barriers that can make starting work more difficult, such as limited access to local training, difficulties in obtaining identification and banking documents, or limited familiarity with recruitment processes and workplace expectations. This program was developed with those realities in mind, providing tailored, hands-on assistance that provides what young people need where they are.
The initiative supports participants through every stage of the transition to work. This includes help with driver’s licences, literacy and numeracy support to prepare for further training, and practical guidance on job applications and interviews. The ultimate goal is to build a skilled, local workforce to support the Tiwi Islands’ second-rotation plantation industry, while equipping young people with the skills they need to succeed in employment over the long term.
A key component of the program is its culturally inclusive pre-training and employment assessments and short courses, designed to help participants become work-ready and confident before embarking on formal training. This program was developed with Tiwi cultural values at their core, with modules including Tiwi Ready, Tiwi Tech and Tiwi Money, which are delivered by TITEB
Mentoring and support are embedded through all phases of the pilot, including workplace shadowing, pastoral care, transport and logistical support, culturally sensitive scheduling, and suicide awareness and prevention training.
Encouraging Participation
A total of 21 participants, all Indigenous, with approximately 10 women, started pre-employment program, with 19 being enrolled in forestry training. After the first training block, 8 participants received job offers from TPC to help construct a large nursery to supply seedlings for forest replanting as part of the commencement of the second rotation.
Following the second block, most of the remaining participants also secured casual employment at the nursery. After the final training block, 7 participants, including 2 women, expressed interest in progressing to a Certificate III qualification, with the NT Government indicating funding to support continuation. Once construction of the nursery is complete, 6 participants will be employed in ongoing nursery roles.
The accredited training pathways aligned with local industry needs and were delivered by Timber Training Creswick on-site at Yapilika Plantation. Adjustments were made for cultural and practical needs such as earlier finish times for participants to shop for family needs and adapted delivery due to unreliable electricity in the region.
Creating an Impact
Participants made an impact through their training, contributing to the construction of nursery infrastructure and the management of the first crop. From bare ground, they planted 3 million seedlings.
Early outcomes have been encouraging. A key measure of success has been the number of participants who moved into employment or further training. One young woman reflected that the one-on-one support helped her understand how to get a job and how to keep it. Others said they felt more confident speaking with employers and better prepared to apply for work. Another participant, who had been out of school and unsure of their next step, progressed through work-readiness sessions, interview practice and enrolment in job-readiness training after encouragement from the TITEB’s Transition Specialist.
Strong benefits included increased confidence, improved interview skills, a clearer understanding of workplace expectations, and a greater sense of being job ready. A significant driver of success has been the program’s culturally grounded approach.
Training and mentoring are led by TITEB’s Transition Specialists, ensuring participants feel understood, supported and respected. This approach also strengthens partnerships with schools, training providers, and employers, enabling collaboration that is culturally informed and community led.
In regional areas where remoteness limits opportunity and access to training is inconsistent, this program shows what’s possible when support is personalised, culturally informed and grounded in partnership.
ForestWorks contracted Tiwi Islands Training and Employment Board (TITEB) to deliver the program in partnership with Tiwi Plantations Corporations (TPC), Timber Training Creswick and local service and training providers.
This initiative has been funded by the Australian Government under the Forestry Workforce Training Program (FWTP).
Want more updates?
See the FWTP news page for the latest news articles and milestone updates from the program.
