The Department of Corrections and CDU TAFE have won the 2026 NT Training Awards Industry Collaboration Award for delivering employment-focused education and training programs for prisoners.
Since it began in 2024 the partnership has recorded more than 2,000 enrolments, an 83 per cent completion rate, and delivered qualifications and practical skills in areas including construction, hospitality, horticulture, and barbering.
The Department of Corrections and CDU TAFE collaboration will now vie for national recognition at the Australia Training Awards in November 2026.
The Northern Territory Department of Corrections and Charles Darwin University (CDU) TAFE have been recognised with the Industry Collaboration Award at the 2026 Northern Territory Training Awards, celebrating a partnership that is helping prisoners build skills, gain qualifications and prepare for employment after release.
The partnership brings together CDU TAFE trainers, Prisoner Education teams, Industry Officers and correctional staff to identify skills gaps, develop training programs and create pathways to employment.
Minister for Corrections Gerard Maley said the award is recognition of the work the Department of Corrections is doing delivering real outcomes for prisoners, the community and Territory employers.
“Programs focused on construction, hospitality, horticulture and barbering training are equipping participants with practical skills that employers need right across the Territory,” Minister Maley said.
“I want to congratulate our excellent staff in the Department of Corrections as well as CDU TAFE, for their commitment and success in strengthening employment pathways and increasing program participation.”
Deputy Commissioner Adult Operations Kymberley McKay said the award reflects the commitment of staff and educators who work together every day to support rehabilitation and reintegration outcomes.
“At its heart, this partnership is about using time in custody productively and helping people build the skills, confidence and workplace behaviours needed to succeed after release,” Mr McKay said.
“This award recognises a collaboration that has moved well beyond a traditional training arrangement. It brings education, correctional operations and prisoner industries together to create meaningful opportunities for prisoners.”
Charles Darwin University Acting Vice-Chancellor Brendon Douglas said the award recognises what partners could achieve by working together to expand access to education.
“Education and training can play an important role in rehabilitation, preparing people for work and supporting their return to the community,” Mr Douglas said.
“CDU congratulates our partners and staff, whose commitment and hard work have made this program possible.”
There have been 2,045 prisoner enrolments since the partnership began in 2024, with an average completion rate of 83 per cent.
To date, 1,538 short courses and skill sets have been completed, with a further 72 full qualifications obtained.
Another example of the partnership in action is the barbering program at Alice Springs Correctional Centre, which launched in June 2026.
With 17 people graduating to date and 40 on the waitlist to participate, the program provides participants with practical barbering skills, customer service experience, and real-world industry exposure through a working barbershop environment.
The Department of Corrections and CDU TAFE collaboration will now vie for national recognition at the Australia Training Awards in November 2026.
Top 10 courses by enrolment
1. NT White Card – 508
2. Food Handling Skill Set – 220
3. Setup Equipment and Perform Music – 97
4. Infection Prevention & Control Skill Set – 88
5. Licence to Operate a Forklift Truck – 87
6. Barista Training – 61
7. Biosecurity & Machinery Maintenance – 54
8. Certificate II in Construction Pathways – 51
9. Licence to Operate a Boom-Type EWP – 47
10. Provide First Aid – 43
