The program is designed for apprentices in the automotive and engineering trades and is aimed at removing the cost pressures some employers face when hiring a first-year apprentice.

“This program provides work-ready second-year apprentices by providing a new approach to the first year training and work requirements,” NT Employment and Training Minister Dave Tollner said.

“We have devised an approach that achieves the theory and practical elements of the first year outside the traditional single employer model.”

The program will involve 15 apprentices being employed by apprentice and trainee employer Group Training Northern Territory.

Apprentices will attend Charles Darwin University and will work on a range of trade-related projects onsite.

They will also have work placements with local employers to support their on-the-job training requirements.

The program will run for about 21 weeks during which time all apprentices will be supported by a trade qualified mentor.

On completion of the program, GTNT will host the apprentices to interested employers.

“This way we can offer local Katherine employers work-ready second-year apprentices without those employers having a first-year apprentice on their books when they are largely doing a theory component offsite,” Tollner said.

“This is vital if we are to have the skilled workforce we need to develop northern Australia and meet the needs of our growing economy.”

Interested people should contact GTNT Recruitment on 08 8980 0600 or visit www.gtnt.com.au.

Applications close July 27.