An Aboriginal family set up a training company to make a significant difference to the lives of Indigenous people.

SJT Training Aboriginal Corporation, established by James, Stacey and Tiayana Sing in 2020, has many runs on the board.

For instance, it used an Aboriginal Responsive Skilling grant from the Northern Territory Government to train 10 Aboriginal Territorians - 8 men and 2 women - in the operation of heavy plant and equipment.

Six secured employment in civil construction, while the 3 previously employed advanced from labouring to operating equipment.

One student, Lucille Brogan, went on to pass her HR licence after the intensive SJT course and recently gained a job with NT Recycling Solutions to be trained as a waste truck driver.

Another student, Christopher Roe, secured a job at Nathan River Mine and returned to SJT Training to get his MOXY ticket, which allows him to operate an articulated haul truck.

Stacey Sing says the SJT program was a great success.

The program was delivered by Aboriginal trainers on country to Aboriginal students on practical civil construction projects in real-life scenarios.

Most of the students progressed from being unemployed to job ready.

The course also increased the number of women taking up non-traditional trades, such as civil construction.

And it aligned with the National Skills Agreement, which supports development of regional and remote communities.

SJT Training has big plans, including setting up a training centre, which will include accommodation for students from remote communities.

'The training programs will focus on in-depth simulated construction activities, comprehensive safety practices, and real-world operational techniques,' says Mrs Sing.

Her husband James drove the founding of SJT after identifying a critical gap in the qualifications and practical abilities of operators handling heavy plant and equipment.

'Many operators, particularly indigenous operators, held certifications that did not adequately reflect their actual skills and experience,' he says.

In addition to Northern Territory Government funded programs, SJT Training provides Fee for Service training for all heavy plant machinery, high risk licences, and white card.