Applications are now open for funding under the NT Equity Training Grants program. These one-off grants are designed to improve training and employment outcomes and support disadvantaged Territorians to be active participants in the workforce.
The program aims to improve training and employment outcomes for: people with a disability; parents returning to the workforce after an absence of five years or more; long-term unemployed migrants; refugees; mature-aged and very long-term unemployed people (VLTU) or those at risk of becoming VLTU.
Learning Potential International, a previous recipient of the grant, developed a program which trained people with a disability to run their own micro or home based business. Twelve participants with varying abilities enrolled in Certificate III in Micro Business Operations through their program Unlocking Potential through Self Employment for People with a Disability. Already five participants have achieved a full qualification and four have achieved statements of attainment.
Managing Director of Learning Potential International, Julie Inglis, said “some of the best outcomes from the program was how the participants grew, gained confidence and self-esteem, and enhanced their ability to network and engage with other members of the class, offering support as they designed their businesses.”
“One participant has his website up and running and has already commenced his DJ business, while other business ideas included child minding, online sales of memorabilia, cushion making, website developing, massage and health food re-sales” Mrs Inglis said.
Learning Potential International employed Lyn Temby as local Training Coordinator / Coach to coordinate the program. Lyn acquired a brain injury from an accident and this was her first role working directly with people in 14 years. Sharing a disability gave Lyn a good understanding of the challenges of the group and personal requirements needed to support them.
The Department of Business awarded seven grants under the NT Equity Training Grants program in 2014, totalling $467,406.
For more information about applying for an NT Equity grant please visit: www.dob.nt.gov.au/grants
Media contact: Chantelle Hughes 0401 110 090