ARRCS launches First Nations Traineeship Program
Australian Regional & Remote Community Services (ARRCS) is offering 30 traineeships to First Nations people across the Northern Territory.
The 12 to 18-month traineeships provide paid study and practical employment in aged care roles including personal care, hospitality, leisure and lifestyle, and IT.
ARRCS First Nations careers team leader Emma Kay says the goal is to recruit First Nations people to care for First Nations people.
“It’s about looking after our Elders, contributing to our Elders,” Ms Kay says.
The First Nations Traineeships Program is initially targeting school leavers.
“We want them to be motivated and compassionate – people who care. We want a mixture of male and female as well – we don’t want this to be just girls. Our old fellas need some young fellas around, too.”
Ms Kay says it is a perfect opportunity for young people to build their confidence and earn while they learn.
“It’s good to get out of the school routine and into a work routine,” she says. “They can start thinking about a career, and benefit the wider community.”
ARRCS has partnered with GTNT Group’s Institute of Skills and Training Australia, CDU TAFE and Dovaston Training and Assessment Centre to provide:
- Certificate III in Individual Support – Aged Care.
- Certificate III in Commercial Cookery.
- Certificate IV in Leisure and Health.
- Certificate III in IT.
Roles are available in Alice Springs, Nhulunbuy, Darwin, Katherine, Tennant Creek and Mutitjulu.
Trainees will also be supported by First Nations career specialists. “They’ll be having monthly contact with a mentor, as well as their study sessions. It’s constant mentorship, just for them.”
Applications close November 10, with traineeships commencing in January 2024.
ARRCS provides aged care and community services to people in regional and urban communities throughout the Northern Territory. The not-for-profit organisation is committed to acting justly and equitably, providing opportunities for First Nations people and communities that enable a diverse and dynamic workforce.