A pilot program helping Northern Territory prisoners gain and retain stable employment has reached a major milestone, with 100 participants now enrolled.
Workskil Australia launched the Ready to Work program in partnership with the Department of Corrections in Darwin earlier this year and is now expanding the initiative across the Territory.
The Ready to Work program provides people in custody and on Community Corrections Orders with mentoring, tailored training, and ongoing support to help them prepare for employment.
Minister for Corrections, Gerard Maley said connecting participants with job opportunities and ongoing support helps reduce the likelihood of reoffending, supports successful reintegration, and strengthens community safety.
“Programs like this do more than help prisoners find a job. By providing ongoing support after release, we are helping participants sustain long-term employment, gain independence and contribute to their communities,” Minister Maley said.
Since March, 295 referrals have been made to the program, with Workskil Australia officially opening its new Darwin office.
The opening coincides with the expansion of the Ready to Work program in Alice Springs, helping more prisoners access employment support.
Workskil Australia is also preparing to expand its services into Tennant Creek, Katherine and Nhulunbuy later this year.
Workskil Australia General Manager Youth, Justice and Industry, Alex Apostolakis said the initial response to the program has been positive.
“So far, in total 111 individuals have commenced the program, and we are hopeful of up to 800 participants over the two-year period as we expand the service.”
Workskil Australia is engaging with local industries including construction, mining, manufacturing, services and agribusiness to connect job-ready participants with sectors critical to the NT economy, helping address workforce shortages.
Program participants are expected to secure employment in roles that include labourers, factory workers, traffic controllers, plant operators, cleaners, pick packers and more.
The NT Ready to Work program has been developed to meet the unique needs of the Territory and is based on a similar program in South Australia, which has seen 52% of participants gain employment and significant drops in recidivism.
