Indigenous Apprentice Employment Projects

GTOs have come to occupy a pivotal role in many communities through their links with enterprises, training providers and schools, as well as in Indigenous and remote communities where they play a central role in careers and training.

For more than a decade NAEN has delivered initiatives that support its member GTOs to provide quality employment and training opportunities for First Nations Australians. We are proud to note that as of December 2024, 9% of all apprentices and trainees employed through GTOs identify as being of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent.

NAEN is currently leading a four-year initiative in Alice Springs, supported by the National Indigenous Australians Agency and delivered in partnership with GTNT. This program works directly with young Indigenous people from local Town Camps, connecting them to culturally safe and meaningful employment pathways.

By combining mentoring, practical training, and exposure to real industry opportunities, we are helping to build confidence, career readiness, and long-term success to young Australians who face significant disadvantage in the labour market.

Good News Stories

Current Projects

Community Services Program – Aged Care, Disability and Childcare

GTOs that are interested in participating in a new Indigenous employment and training program now have the chance to register their interest.

NAEN is pleased to announce that funding is available for the recruitment of Indigenous participants into the Community Services Program – Aged Care, Disability and Child Care.

This is a Commonwealth program, managed by the National Indigenous Australians Agency and brokered through NAEN to the group training network.

Importantly, the program is now open to all GTOs nationwide but members of NAEN will receive prioritised access.

The program supports Indigenous people in the Child Care or Aged Care sectors for:  

  • CHC30113 – Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
  • CHC40113 – Certificate IV in School Age Education and Care
  • CHC50113 – Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care
  • CHC33015 – Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing)
  • CHC43015 – Certificate IV in Ageing Support
  • CHC43115 – Certificate IV in Disability

Recruitment period:

The recruitment period for all training and employment participants is open until 31 December 2020

 

NAEN JLEP 2019 Indigenous Tailored Assistance Project

NAEN invites expressions of interest from Group Training Organisations to help facilitate employment of Indigenous participants in apprenticeships, school-based traineeships, or direct employment placements in a range of industries across Australia.

Program Outcomes:

To secure real and sustainable employment by building the skills and capabilities of all Indigenous participants through:

  • Job Activities;
  • Training Activities;
  • Structured mentoring activities; and
  • General Activities.

 

GTO Requirements: 

  • Be on the national register of Group Training Organisations
  • Have an established connection with a Registered Training Organisation to support Indigenous students into Certificates III and IV, where possible
  • Provide Structured Mentoring Support services tailored to the individual needs of the SBT participant
  • Open to all GTOs but members of the National Apprentice Employment Network (NAEN) will receive prioritised access to funding support.

Recruitment period:

The recruitment period for all training and employment participants is open until 31 December 2021.

For more information, please contact the National Apprentice Employment Network (NAEN) on 02 9299 6099 or info@naen.com.au.

Partner GTOs

NAEN is proud to work in collaboration with a select number of GTOs, to place eligible Indigenous participants within local communities across Australia, into an
Apprenticeship, Direct Employment, or School Based Traineeship (SBT) opportunity.

Enquiry Form

To find out how you can get involved in our programs, please complete the form below and one of our team members will be in touch.





    Select Program of Interest

    The National Apprentice Employment Network respectfully acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land on which we and our members work, and pay respect to the First Nations Peoples and their elders, past, present and future.