In communities across East Arnhem Land, young people are dreaming big; and thanks to a powerful initiative from the Arnhem Land Progress Aboriginal Corporation (ALPA), those dreams are beginning to take shape.
For the fourth year running, ALPA's Work Experience Program has connected students from remote communities with real-world opportunities across Darwin. This year, 20 students from Ramingining, Galiwin'ku, and Gapuwiyak stepped out of the classroom and into diverse workplaces; from government offices and legal services to construction yards and radio stations.
At its core, this program is about more than job placements. It's about pride, purpose, and planting seeds for future leadership. It helps bridge the gap between learning in remote schools and seeing how those skills — from literacy to digital literacy — apply in professional settings far beyond the community.
"These students are capable of big things," says ALPA's Community Engagement Manager, Eddy Alder.
"This program helps show them what's possible. It gives them insight into career paths they may never have imagined, and lets them know that those pathways are open to them."
One such opportunity saw Keshayla, a student from Gapuwiyak School, join Opposition Leader Selena Uibo's office at Parliament House. There, she observed firsthand how political decisions shape everyday life and even drafted a speech about the challenges facing her community; a message that may one day echo through the halls of Parliament.
Keshayla's time in our Darwin office was nothing short of inspiring. Her "can-do" attitude, confidence, and willingness to step into new spaces reminded us all why programs like this are so vital.
Ms Uibo, the Member for Arnhem, said: "It's great to see young people out there in workplaces gaining real life experience."
"This is where they can grow their knowledge, learn new skills, and most importantly build confidence in themselves. That's what this program is all about," she said.
Keshayla embodied this. She came ready to learn, lead and leave a lasting impression; and she did. She is a young woman who is not just building her future, but helping shape ours too.
Other students explored creative industries through placements at First Nations Broadcasting, where Max and Harvey learned the ropes of radio and TV production. Working side by side with experienced media professionals, they honed storytelling and technical skills; proof that our young people are more than capable of taking the mic and shaping their own narratives.
Stratco, one of the program's newest hosts, welcomed students Mackenzie and Ephriam into their manufacturing operations. From building timber trusses to preparing chainmesh gates for remote delivery, these students didn't just learn; they contributed.
"You could see their pride knowing they were building something for their own community," said Stratco State Manager Craig Robinson.
"They were excited to know the trusses were going to Gapuwiyak."
The impact is long-lasting. Some host organisations have already extended invitations for future employment. Others are seeking ways to stay connected beyond the placement week. What this program proves — year after year — is that when young people are given the right environment and support, they don't just show up; they thrive.
ALPA's model is community-led, culturally grounded, and practical in its outcomes. But it can't do it alone. The call is clear: more Territory businesses are needed to open their doors, mentor students, and invest in a stronger, more inclusive workforce.
Because when we invest in the next generation, we're not just changing one life; we're growing the future of our communities, together.
