The Northern Territory construction sector must be able to operate with the confidence that trade training delivered by CDU is up to the nationally recognised standard that is expected – this is not optional but fundamental to the Territory’s workforce and economic resilience.

Charles Darwin University is the primary recipient of the Northern Territory Government’s User Choice funding. With that level of public investment comes a heightened responsibility.

Every apprentice must be trained to the national standard without exception and without question.

User Choice funding exists to support employers and apprentices. When one provider receives the bulk of that funding at times to the exclusion of smaller Registered Training Organisations it must demonstrate absolute accountability in delivery, governance and quality assurance.

Master Builders NT members small, medium and large businesses, many of them family-owned  carry the responsibility of training the next generation of Territory tradespeople. They invest time, wages, supervision and resources to ensure apprentices develop into competent, qualified tradespeople.

On their behalf, we expect a training provider that is reliable, transparent, accountable and genuinely aligned with the needs of the Northern Territory construction industry.

Going forward, we are calling for:

• Clear and transparent communication with employers and apprentices
• Industry consultation and engagement
• Robust quality assurance measures
• Immediate remedial support for affected apprentices
• A clear plan to restore confidence in apprenticeship delivery

The Territory cannot afford instability. Apprenticeship delivery must be treated as a frontline economic and workforce priority.

Master Builders NT remains committed to working constructively with CDU and Government to ensure confidence is restored and that apprentices are supported to complete their qualifications to the required national standard.

Quotes attributed to Master Builders NT CEO Sallyann Innes:  

Confidence in trade training is critical. CDU must demonstrate that robust quality assurance measures are in place, that industry has a genuine seat at the table, and that apprentices are supported to complete their qualifications without further disruption.

Master Builders NT has committed to continuing constructive engagement with CDU and the Northern Territory Government to ensure apprentices are supported to complete their qualifications to the required national standard. 

As the bulk recipient of Government User Choice funding, at times to the exclusion of local private RTOs, CDU carries a heightened responsibility. Every apprentice must meet the national training standard. There can be no ambiguity around quality, compliance or delivery.

MBNT members, small, medium and large, many of them family-owned shoulder the responsibility of developing the Territory’s future workforce. On their behalf, we demand CDU as training provider receiving Taxpayer funds to be reliable, transparent, accountable and aligned with the construction industry in the Northern Territory not anywhere else – without compromise.