Territory employers are seeing first-hand the skills prisoners are developing as NT Corrections expands employment opportunities that support successful reintegration and the Territory workforce.
The Ready to Work program has already received 404 referrals and supports participants from custody through to employment, with ongoing mentoring and assistance for up to 18 months after release.
The Finocchiaro CLP Government is expanding employment programs, helping prisoners build practical skills, gain work experience and connect with jobs, training and support services before returning to the community.
Territory businesses are getting a first-hand look at the skills prisoners are developing at Darwin Correctional Centre (DCC), as Corrections strengthens pathways from training in custody to employment opportunities in the community.
Twelve employers including representatives from Randstad, Quality Constructions and Maintenance, True North Constructions and MDM Mining and Civil visited prison industries this week. Participants visited kitchen, production assembly, metal and woodwork facilities, to gain a greater understanding of the employment, training and internal and external industry opportunities available to prisoners.
The visit forms part of Corrections' partnership with Workskil Australia, which launched it's Ready to Work Program in Darwin in March.
The program begins in custody and continues for up to 18 months after release, providing case management, mentoring, training and practical assistance to help people secure and stay in employment.
The Ready to Work program had received 404 referrals, with 225 participants commencing the voluntary program as of 31 October 2026.
It has since expanded to Alice Springs and the Barkly Work Camp, with expansion to the Katherine Work Camp now underway.
Minister for Corrections Gerard Maley, who met with business representatives during the visit to DCC, said building skills in custody and connecting prisoners with employers was a key part of successful reintegration.
"Prisoners need to use their time in custody productively, and that means giving them opportunities to work, learn practical skills and develop the habits employers expect in the workplace," Minister Maley said.
"By bringing Territory businesses into our correctional centres, employers can see the work being undertaken, understand the skills prisoners are developing and consider the employment opportunities they may be able to provide."
Program support includes access to skills and training, assistance with applying for required documentation, preparing resumes and cover letters, and connecting participants to suitable employers.
Ready to Work complements other Industry, Skills and Employment initiatives delivered by Corrections, such as Sentenced to a Job 2.0, which provides opportunities for prisoners to undertake employment while they are in custody.
There were 926 prisoners employed in essential and commercial prison industries, and 41 prisoners supported to participate in external employment through Sentenced to a Job 2.0 as of 31 October 2026.
Northern Transportables is an employer partner of the Sentenced to a Job Program, with Operations Manager Gary Weedon saying the partnership helps participants build practical skills, confidence and positive workplace habits.
"Through hands-on learning and practical experience, participants have the opportunity to develop transferable skills in areas such as construction, manufacturing, teamwork, communication, workplace safety and problem-solving," Mr Weedon said.
Corrections Commissioner Matthew Varley said employment works alongside education, training and rehabilitation programs to better prepare people for release and successful reintegration.
"We want the work prisoners undertake in custody to build skills, experience and work habits that have practical value when they return to the community," Commissioner Varley said.
"Partnerships with Territory employers are critical because they help turn the skills and experience being developed in custody into genuine employment opportunities after release."
