The Larrakia Trade Training Centre opened its doors in February 2011. The Centre, a joint venture between the Corporation, Advanced Training International Inc (ATI) and Kormilda College has been built at Berrimah, on land owned by the Corporation near Darwin’s East Arm Port.
Gas giant, INPEX endorsed its support for this initiative by becoming the Centre’s major financial supporter. This action heralded a significant, legacy contribution by INPEX and assisted in addressing the looming skills shortage Darwin faces when construction of the proposed gas facility commences in 2012.
The major point of difference the Larrakia Trade Training Centre offers, is starting the training with the basics of the ‘three Rs” – a strong focus on numeracy and literacy levels. The Centre’s partners recognise a number of young students struggle in English and maths and subsequently drop out of school to find themselves in a difficult cycle of low esteem and social problems. The Centre aims to motivate these young people into taking up a trade career and provide the extra schooling assistance they require.
Another unique selling point is the availability of Kormilda College’s boarding facilities, which will be used during school holidays for technical studies. Under the current system, students often have to travel interstate for this tuition. These facilities may also be used for specially designed courses for those living on remote communities.
The Larrakia Trade Training Centre consists of a partnership between Advanced Training International, Kormilda College and Larrakia Development Corporation. A formal Memorandum of Understanding was signed in August 2010, to define each party’s role in the partnership. ATI will provide all equipment and training, Kormilda College will assess students with the aptitude to gain a trade skill and assist them to acquire basic literacy and numeracy skills, while the Larrakia Development Corporation will assist students in finding employment through the strong contacts it has fostered with industry and business.
The Larrakia Trade Training Centre offers several training courses including: metal fabrication, carpentry, electrical, plumbing, motor mechanics, general and civil construction and similar work disciplines.
For more information please visit our site http://www.larrakiatradetraining.com.au.
