Learning and development

Being able to access skills and knowledge to help achieve personal goals and community development aspirations is very important. Many Indigenous people have experienced difficulty accessing formal education and the quality and relevance of the learning that has been accessed has often been poor. Limited education impacts on work and livelihoods opportunities and often leads to an under recognition of the capacities and capabilities people have developed through life experience. Limited fluency in English language and literacy compounds both skills recognition and economic participation. 

Through its work with  communities of Indigenous people, CAT seeks to support a range of learning and development opportunities that actively support sustainable livelihoods. CAT offers a range of accredited technical training programs that leverage existing and apply new skills to projects and activities needed on site in communities.  CAT also embeds people centred capacity building approaches in its work around technology. For example, secure water supplies are a critical issue for people living in remote areas and building the capacity of residents to risk manage their own water supplies is as important as getting the technology - pumps, pipes and taps - working and maintained. Providing affordable and reliable solar energy systems to small communities across northern Australia demands engagement with the knowledge, skills and capacity residents and their service providers have of maintaining and trouble shooting the systems as well as making informed decisions about energy use. 

The sustainability of communities across remote Australia will depend on the skills, capability and adaptability of those living and working in these areas as well as the appropriateness of the technology deployed to address issues such as housing, waste management, communications and transport.

Research and resources relevant to learning and development issues can be found by clicking on the research and resources links.