New accommodation and improved equine facilities are key features of a $1.6 million investment in an agricultural training centre just east of Tennant.
The Juno Centre offers residential and in-reach programs to students from across the Territory.
The joint funding from the Northern Territory and Australian governments will see an all-weather shade cover built over the horse arena, including fans and lights so training can be delivered into the evening.
The tender was recently awarded to MPH Carpentry and Construction from Alice Springs.
Four modular accommodation units will enable more students to participate in residential training courses.
The funding falls under the Revitalising TAFE Campuses Across Australia Program, to improve vocational education infrastructure that will equip students with skills, knowledge and capabilities applicable to a broad range of occupation and industry sectors.
Juno Centre delivers both accredited and non-accredited vocational education and training (VET) courses, providing students with skills and connections to industry with the potential for future employment and training.
Minister for Education Lauren Moss said a section of the Juno lot had been developed by the Department of Education to offer programs and training opportunities to students from remote communities and regional centres.
“Training is available to both secondary students and adults, with other VET providers able to access the facilities,” she said.
“This includes young people involved in apprenticeships along with participants undertaking relevant training courses such as Certificate IV in Training and Assessing, White Card, Working at Heights and First Aid.
“The centre combines built in mentoring with a structured on-the-job training program leading to sustainable ongoing employment for locals in the Barkly region.”
Ms Moss said the Juno Centre was one of only two sites in the Territory registered by Horse Safety Australia to deliver equine training to school students.
“Increased visitor numbers at Juno has created a demand for more accommodation which will help students to stay in the Barkly region rather than travelling to Darwin or Alice Springs for block training,” she said.
“The VET sector plays an integral role in the ongoing economic and social growth of the Territory by skilling and training the current and future workforce and that’s why we are supporting Territorians to be trained, upskilled, and equipped to make the most of future opportunities.”
Construction is expected to be completed early 2022.
This article appeared in Tennant & District Times, 22 October 2021.
