Today I was briefed by Charles Darwin University (CDU) that a group of around 100 students have missed a unit of competency as part of their training in the Electrotechnology field.
The training failure was detected during an independent and comprehensive audit I demanded back in February. The audit followed a training bungle in the Carpentry curriculum.
CDU has advised they are still assessing final numbers but have assured me no licensed Electricians, Airconditioning and Refrigeration Mechanics or Apprentices are caught up in this mess.
This morning I made my expectations clear to CDU that whoever is responsible for this failure needs to be held to account.
The entire Finocchiaro CLP team share the frustration and anger with students, businesses and families impacted.
CDU is working around the clock to determine final student numbers, all of which will be contacted from Monday.
I have requested an urgent update from CDU early next week, but it is clear that further failure is not an option, and reform needs to be expedited.
I have commenced work on a plan to overhaul and strengthen governance, better align priorities with industry and set clearer expectations for NT Government funding.
As the largest public Training provider in the Territory, a robust and durable CDU is not negotiable as we upskill students and rebuild our economy.
