INDMO Deepens TVET Diplomacy in Australia’s Top End to Boost Skills Recognition and Regional Labor Mobility

INDMO, I.P. | Aquiles S Guterres

Darwin, Australia (11 April 2025) -  The National Institute of Workforce Development of Timor-Leste (INDMO, I.P.) led a strategic technical and vocational education and training (TVET) mission to the Northern Territory of Australia from 9 to 11 April 2025. The visit aimed to strengthen bilateral TVET collaboration, enhance skills recognition mechanisms, and explore pathways for regional labor mobility.

Hosted by the Northern Territory Department of Education and Training, Charles Darwin University (CDU), the Chamber of Commerce NT, and Ram Jungle Meat Works (RMJE), the mission brought together government, industry, and training stakeholders in pursuit of inclusive workforce development.

During a technical-level policy dialogue with the NT Department of Education, the INDMO delegation explored the Territory’s integrated education and training model. Key discussions focused on the certification of secondary school students, workforce development priorities, skills shortage strategies, and vocational progression pathways.

Cathy White, Deputy CEO for Skills, Pathways and Quality of the Department of Education and Training of the NT Government, highlighted shared priorities.

“Our collaboration reflects a joint commitment to building capable, future-ready workforces across borders. We’re proud to support Timor-Leste in strengthening vocational pathways for youth and workers” she stated.

Isabel Fernandes de Lima, Director of INDMO, emphasised, “the Northern Territory’s model provides valuable insights as we continue to modernize and expand our national qualifications framework, including advancing skills recognition for secondary school students, recent graduates, and the broader workforce in Timor-Leste.”

At CDU’s TAFE Palmerston Campus, the delegation presented and discussed INDMO’s draft meat processing training package, designed to train Timorese workers for both national and regional employment, including the Australian market.

Rob Schwedt, Deputy CEO for Professional Service Industries at TAFE CDU, stated “collaborations like this ensure that training programs are aligned with real industry needs and reflect global quality standards. CDU is committed to supporting the development of robust and responsive qualifications.”

The technical session enabled CDU experts and industry representatives to provide detailed feedback, including recommendations to incorporate additional units of competency such as sharpening knives, food safety, hygiene, and workplace communication - critical to meeting meat industry requirements.

At Ram Jungle Meat Works (RMJE), a large-scale meat processing facility in the NT employing 20 Timorese nationals among staff from over 20 countries, the delegation observed on-site operations, job profiles, and safety practices. The meeting was supported by the Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade (Agriculture Division).

Kerry Kane, RMJE Plant Manager, remarked “we’re pleased to support the development of quality training packages that prepare workers for the technical and safety standards required in our sector. We see great potential in expanding cooperation with Timor-Leste.”

Feedback from RMJE emphasized the importance of tailoring qualifications to industry realities, further validating the relevance of INDMO’s training package for both local and regional labor markets. CDU experts and Ram Jungle provided feedback and recommendations for improving the content, including additional units of competency that would enable Timorese trainees to meet the minimum standards and expectations of the Australian meat processing industry.

The delegation also met with representatives of the NT VET Community of Practice and the Darwin Branch of ITECA (Independent Tertiary Education Council Australia). The discussions reinforced ongoing cooperation in support of Timor-Leste’s TVET transformation and the preparation of its contingent for the WorldSkills Australia National Championship.

Director Isabel Fernandes de Lima extended her gratitude, “INDMO is grateful for the continued support of Australian stakeholders in advancing our national TVET system and empowering our youth to compete on the global stage.”

To conclude the mission, INDMO formally invited its Australian partners to attend the 2nd International Skills Week in Timor-Leste, scheduled for 15–19 September 2025 in Dili. The event will include skills competitions, forums, exhibitions, and international dialogues focused on dual certification, future skills, and regional integration.

“We warmly welcome our Australian partners to Dili this September. Their participation will enrich the exchange of knowledge and deepen collaboration across ASEAN and beyond,” said Director Isabel Fernandes de Lima.