Prelude to the Future Programs 1-5
Prelude to the Future (Prelude) is an innovative and long-standing collaboration between GTNT Group (GTNT) and Charles Darwin University, (CDU) funded by Shell Australia (Shell) and the Northern Territory Government (NTG). The collaboration commenced in 2014 with the first group commencing in a training contract in 2015. The collaboration aims to create meaningful employment and training opportunities for Territorians by delivering sustainable pathways into skilled careers, while also addressing critical skill shortages across Darwin and the Northern Territory. Each iteration of the program has been tailored to respond to the evolving needs of industry and address current skill gaps, reflecting the collaboration’s agility and commitment to relevance and impact. The specific qualifications offered through the Prelude programs include:
Prelude 1: Certificate III in Diesel Fitting, Programs 2 & 3: Certificate III in Warehousing & Logistics, Program 4: Dual Apprenticeship in Certificate III in Diesel Fitting and Certificate III in Electrical Fitting, Program 5: Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician or Certificate III in Engineering (Fabrication/Mechanical), and current Program 6: Certificate III in Driver Operations or Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician.
The initiative’s multi-staged model — combining structured training, targeted mentoring, wraparound services, and employer matching — goes far beyond standard training delivery. GTNT Group's mentoring framework is particularly impactful, enabling the organisation to support at-risk learners and dramatically improve retention and completion rates. Across all programs, there have been many notable achievements, including:
- Thomas Mitchell (Prelude #1) – Winner, Heavy Diesel Apprentice of the Year, MTA TIO Automotive Awards
- Margaret Bell (Prelude #3) – Winner, Women in Construction, NAWIC NT Chapter 2019 Awards for Excellence
- Shannah Mudge (Prelude #4) – 2023 NT Training Awards finalist, Austin Ashe Apprentice of the Year
- Ranty Labasi (Prelude #5) – Winner, Electrical and Refrigeration Apprentice of the Year, Master Builders Excellence in Building and Construction Awards
- Elisha Wright (Prelude #4) – Committee Member, National Association of Women in Construction NT Chapter.
- Jack Higgins (Prelude #4) – NT training Awards – Austin Asche Apprentice of the Year.
- The Prelude to the Future program also won the Chief Minister’s Award and Industry Collaboration Award at the NT Training Awards in both 2015 and 2016.
