Project 12. First Nations Education and Employment Transition Programs in the Northern Territory

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Project Description

This project delivers a pre-employment and training program tailored to the needs of Tiwi communities in the Northern Territory. It equips participants with the practical skills required to work in the local plantation industry.

Designed specifically for remote community settings, the program integrates built-in support and flexible training delivery that aligns with local transport and work conditions.

The program aims to create long-term employment opportunities in forestry and strengthen job prospects for Tiwi community members.

Timeline

February 2025 – June 2027

Lead Organisation

Led by the Tiwi Islands Training and Employment Board and delivered in partnership with Tiwi Plantations Corporation and Timber Training Creswick.

Contact

Maria Harvey
Chief Executive Officer | Tiwi Islands Training and Employment Board
CEO@titeb.com

Kaye Tyter
Workforce Development Manager | ForestWorks
ktyter@forestworks.com.au

Forestry Education and Employment Transition Program for the Tiwi Communities

This project supports a community-led program designed to support First Nations people in the Northern Territory, particularly on the Tiwi Islands, as they transition from school to training and into meaningful employment. Led by the Tiwi Islands Training and Employment Board in partnership with Tiwi Plantations Corporation and Timber Training Creswick, the project delivers culturally inclusive training aligned with local industry needs, specifically the second-rotation plantation sector.

Why It Matters

Tiwi youth and community members receive tailored mentoring and accredited training designed to meet local industry needs. This program supports participants to successfully transition from school to training and from training to employment. It aims to:

  • Build a skilled local workforce to support sustainable forestry operations.
  • Support disengaged youth, school students, and job seekers to gain qualifications and meaningful employment.
  • Promote long-term economic and social resilience across remote communities.
Community Engagement

The project team undertook extensive consultation and outreach to ensure the pilot program reflects the aspirations, cultural values, and professional needs of Tiwi communities.

  • Consultation with Tiwi Clan Groups: Formal consultations were conducted with all eight Tiwi clan groups, resulting in widespread support for the program.
  • Targeted Outreach in Milikapiti and Pirlangimpi: Engagement activities focused on these areas, with site managers leading local promotions and facilitating direct communication with families.
  • Cultural Responsiveness: The program design incorporates flexibility to accommodate cultural events, such as ‘sorry business’, ensuring respectful and inclusive delivery.
Pilot Program Components

The pilot’s training structure was finalised and includes three components:

  • Culturally Inclusive Training (Pre-Employment) – helping participants get work-ready and confident before commencing formal training.
  • Accredited Training Pathways – delivering recognised qualifications aligned with local industry needs.
  • Mentoring and Support – providing ongoing guidance to help participants succeed in training and employment.

The Tiwi Islands Training and Employment Board developed customised, culturally appropriate materials for the delivery of culturally intensive training (pre-employment).

Read the Pilot (Underway) tab for more details.

Partnership Roles

Each partner plays a distinct role in delivering the pilot:

  • Tiwi Islands Training and Employment Board: Project coordination, mentoring, training delivery, community engagement, and learner support.
  • Tiwi Plantations Corporation: Industry/employment integration, mentoring coordination, and hosting training activities.
  • Timber Training Creswick: Delivery of accredited training modules on-site.
  • Senior Trainers & Assessors: Lead training delivery and assessment across all stages.

Applications have now closed.

Call for Expressions of Interest | Forestry Education and Employment Transition Program for the Tiwi Communities

To recruit participants, the Tiwi Islands Training and Employment Board ran a culturally inclusive EOI campaign focused on Milikapiti and Pirlangimpi in May–June 2026:

  • Promotions were tailored to local languages and communication styles.
  • Site managers maintained direct contact with families to support engagement.

Project 12 is delivering a culturally informed employment and training pathway for Tiwi people, combining pre-employment preparation, accredited timber training, workplace mentoring, and direct links to plantation employment.

In 2025, 21 Tiwi participants, including approximately 10 women, commenced the pre-employment program, with 19 enrolled in forestry training.

After the first training block, eight participants received job offers from Tiwi Plantations to help construct a large nursery to supply seedlings for forest replanting as the second rotation began.

After the second block, most remaining Tiwi 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 was complete, 6 participants were employed in ongoing nursery roles.

A dedicated Forestry Workforce Mentor commenced in May 2026 and has since engaged more than 100 potential employees and completed over 30 pre-employment screenings across the three main Tiwi communities for jobs at Tiwi Plantations. The mentoring model has strengthened communication and workplace participation, including a reported 70 per cent increase in employees notifying absences, alongside improvements in attendance and punctuality. A digital platform has also been developed to support consistent recording of employment, training and mentoring information.

Training delivery has continued in 2026 despite seasonal and transport constraints. Twelve participants completed the contextualised Tiwi Futures pre-employment program in July 2026, including language, literacy, numeracy and digital assessments. Two blocks of the Certificate II in Timber and Wood Products Operations were delivered between June and August 2026, with the final block scheduled for September 2026. Additional workplace training covered chainsaw maintenance, tree felling, nursery operations and machinery use.

Tiwi full-time-equivalent employment at Tiwi Plantations increased from 13 in June 2026 to 16 in August 2026, although total Tiwi work hours declined as seasonal activity reduced. Recruitment is underway for up to 30 nursery positions for the next planting cycle. Key priorities include wet-season transport planning, strengthened workforce governance, cross-cultural training and clearer allocation of stakeholder responsibilities.

Delivery of Forestry Education and Employment Transition Program for the Tiwi Communities

The pilot program was launched in June 2025, and it is structured around three components:

  • Culturally Inclusive Training (Pre-Employment): Programs are built around Tiwi cultural values, including modules such as Tiwi Ready, Tiwi Tech, and Tiwi Money.
  • Accredited Training Pathways: Participants work toward the Certificate II in Forest Operations, with training blocks delivered on-site at Yapilika Plantation.
  • Mentoring & Support: Ongoing guidance from experienced plantation staff and community mentors ensures strong engagement and outcomes.
MonthActivity
June 2025Culturally Inclusive Training (Pre-Employment)
Delivered by Tiwi Islands Training and Employment Board at community facilities, this phase includes:
>> Tiwi Ready: Cultural and workplace awareness
>> Tiwi Tech: Digital and credential skills
>> Tiwi Money: Financial literacy
>> LLND (Language, Literacy, Numeracy and Digital) assessments for all candidates.
July-November 2025Accredited Training Pathways
Timber Training Creswick delivers on-site training at Yapilika Plantation, aligned with the Certificate II in Forest Operations and covering Nursery Production.
Training is delivered in four blocks, with additional Fire Safety Training provided by the NT Fire Safety Council.
Ongoing until pilot completion (June 2027)Mentoring and Support
Participants receive ongoing mentoring and support from experienced plantation staff and mentors from Tiwi Plantations Corporation and the Tiwi Islands Training and Employment Board to ensure accessibility and participation.
Mentoring and support are embedded throughout all phases of the pilot and include:
>> Workplace shadowing
>> Pastoral care
>> Transport and logistical support
>> Culturally sensitive scheduling
Cultural protocols are respected through flexible scheduling and on-site support.

Between July and September 2025, a diverse range of training activities equipped Tiwi participants with practical skills, competency certificates, and the confidence to transition into employment.

Participant Recruitment and Profile

More than 50 applications were received through targeted community campaigns in May–June 2025, with 19 participants selected for the pilot program.

The participant cohort included:

  • Unemployed individuals seeking work opportunities
  • Community members currently employed and seeking upskilling
  • Tiwi College students in Years 10–12
  • Young people returning from interstate
  • Disengaged youth with the capacity and motivation to participate.

It’s marvellous that so many learners are sticking with this program and have got employment from it. Everyone remains engaged and interested.

Trainer/Assessor, timber Training cRESWICK
Training Outcomes
Pre-Employment and Foundational Training
  • The Tiwi Ready Suite, delivered by Tiwi Islands Training and Employment Board RTO, introduced participants to workplace expectations, legislation, cultural norms, and entry-level employment credentials.
  • LLND (Language, Literacy, Numeracy, and Digital) assessments were completed for 21 students to support individualised learning pathways.
Nationally Recognised Units and Short Courses

Participants attended a wide range of accredited training, including:

  • White Card (Construction Induction)
  • First Aid and Senior First Aid (HLTAID011)
  • Chainsaw Operation and Tree Felling
  • Chemical Handling
  • Forklift Operation
  • Nursery Work
  • Welding
  • Lucas Mill Operation
  • Confined Spaces
  • Working at Heights
  • Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting
  • Roller Operations
  • Food Safety
  • Cleaning

I didn’t think I’d be able to do all this training, but I’ve got my forklift ticket now and I’m working in the nursery. It feels good to be part of something.

Participant, Milikapiti

“I liked the chainsaw training. It was hard at first, but I kept going and now I’ve got my certificate. I want to keep working with the crew.

Participant, Pirlangimpi
Completion Highlights
  • Fire Safety Protection: 18 completions (full attendance and successful completion)
  • Chainsaw Operation: 8 completions
  • Tree felling: 12 completions

Trainers noted strong engagement and persistence among participants and provided additional support as needed to ensure success.

Miriam developed blisters during chainsaw training but kept going. Matt completed after additional tuition. That kind of commitment shows how much this program means to people.”

Training Report Note
Employment Outcomes
  • Participants contributed to building a large nursery for Tiwi Plantations’ second rotation.
  • Most participants gained paid work experience, including roles as Nursery Hands and a Nursery Supervisor.
  • Six participants are expected to transition into ongoing nursery employment once construction is complete.
Mentoring and Support
  • Senior community members and Tiwi Islands Training and Employment Board Coordinators provided informal mentoring.
  • Daily group discussions and motivational sessions helped participants reflect on training experiences and prepare for workdays.
  • A formal mentor will be appointed in October 2025 to support transitions from training to employment.
Logistics and Accessibility
  • Daily transport from Milikapiti and Pirlangimpi to Maxwell Creek (the delivery location for Fire Safety Protection Training) has been challenging due to remote, unsealed roads.
  • Despite early starts and long travel times, participants demonstrated consistent commitment.
  • A new approach will trial Monday–Friday shifts for two employees to reduce travel demands and improve attendance consistency.
School Engagement and Future Pathways
  • Tiwi College has been actively engaged, with senior students visiting Tiwi Plantations and Tiwi Port to explore career opportunities.
  • Plans are underway to introduce school-based apprenticeships in early 2026, integrating vocational training directly into the curriculum.