Building a Bigger, Better Workforce: NT Workforce Development Strategy 2026-2036

The Northern Territory’s greatest strength is its people. A skilled, capable and adaptable workforce is essential to delivering strong economic growth, resilient communities and improved outcomes for all Territorians.

Building a Bigger, Better Workforce: Northern Territory Workforce Development Strategy 2026-2036 is the first whole-of-Territory workforce development strategy. It sets out a practical approach to grow the Territory’s workforce, build capability and strengthen the conditions that support participation, mobility and productivity across the Northern Territory.

Its vision is an inclusive workforce that meets industry demand, supports growth and delivers for Territorians.

The strategy has 3 priorities:

• More people: Growing the workforce. Increase the number of people participating in the Territory workforce by attracting workers, improving workforce participation and supporting migration aligned to workforce demand.
• Better skills: Building capability. Ensure the workforce has the skills required by industry by aligning education and training to real jobs, expanding apprenticeships and traineeships, and strengthening school-to-work pathways.
• Lifestyle and productivity: Strengthening conditions. Strengthen the conditions that enable people to live and work in the Territory while improving productivity.

The strategy has been informed by extensive engagement with industry, employers, training providers, Aboriginal organisations, community groups and all levels of government. It responds directly to stakeholder concerns.

The Building a Bigger, Better Workforce Strategy is not a static document. It is a living framework that will continue to evolve as we listen, learn and adapt.

Read the Building a Bigger, Better Workforce: NT Workforce Development Strategy 2026-2036 PDF (3.6 MB).