Three Aṉangu trainees have become the first graduates of a nationally recognised Certificate III in Tourism delivered by Aṉangu, for Aṉangu, on Country in Uluṟu.

The qualification combines tourism and guiding skills with Aṉangu cultural knowledge and ways of learning, preparing graduates to share their culture with visitors while building careers in the industry.

Senior Aṉangu educators teach significant components in Pitjantjatjara, both in the classroom and on Country.

The graduates were among more than 20 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander trainees who graduated from the National Indigenous Training Academy (NITA) at Ayers Rock Resort on October 23.

Aṉangu graduate Trevor Burton completed the course with teaching from his father, Reuben, and sister, Ina.

Learning from family and practising culture outside the classroom helped Mr Burton build confidence in sharing his knowledge.

"A highlight for me was learning from Anangu teachers like my father and my sister," Mr Burton said.

"Getting to experience it outside the classroom, like throwing spears, gave me a boost of confidence and pride to talk about my culture and tell guests that we still practise our culture".

Students learn about Tjukurpa, the Aṉangu philosophy linking the environment and their ancestors, alongside plants, cultural sites, land management, land rights and protocols for sharing culture with visitors.

The course supports the transfer of knowledge between generations while creating a pathway for Aṉangu to lead the sharing of their own culture and stories through tourism.

For Aṉangu educator Reuben Burton, the training includes understanding cultural practices and the steps involved in making tools and hunting.

"For me, it's really important to go through Anangu culture, the lore, and understand the Anangu proper way," Mr Burton said.

"Learning about the tools and the process of hunting from start to end - cutting traditional tools, the hunting and cooking.

"I'm really proud of the fellas going through."

Graduate speaker and Aṉangu guide Tony Penhall now works at Ayers Rock Resort, helping visitors understand and respect Country.

His work provides an opportunity to share culture with people from around the world.

"For me, being an Anangu tour guide in Yulara is more than just having a job," Mr Penhall said.

"It's about being proud of where I come from, sharing culture with people from all over the world, and helping visitors understand and respect our Country."

NITA is marking 15 years of operation and more than 800 Indigenous graduates, many of whom have pursued careers across Australia's tourism and hospitality sectors.

Since 2011, the academy has provided nationally recognised qualifications, paid traineeships, accommodation and practical experience at Ayers Rock Resort and Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre.

Journey Beyond general manager of First Nations engagement and partnership Roland Ah Chee highlighted the role of Aṉangu educators in shaping the qualification.

"Seeing senior Anangu educators teaching this qualification in language and on Country, and now celebrating the first graduates, demonstrates the power of Indigenous-led education and training," Mr Ah Chee said.

"Over 15 years, more than 800 Indigenous Australians have come through NITA, many travelling long distances to live, learn and start their careers at Ayers Rock Resort."

The resort's broader Education Pathways Program brings more than 300 Aṉangu and Yarnangu students to Yulara each year for work exposure and experience.

The program has helped drive a tenfold increase in Aṉangu students entering jobs or NITA training at the resort.

Former graduates are also returning to support others through training.

"We're now seeing graduates return as trainers, and Aṉangu shaping the training itself," Mr Ah Chee said.

"This new course creates even more opportunities for Aṉangu to share their culture directly with guests and empowers the next generation to keep culture strong."

During graduation week, NITA welcomed 24 new trainees, including 11 Aṉangu, four of whom are starting the Certificate III in Tourism.

Graduates celebrated alongside their families, senior Aṉangu and representatives from government and Journey Beyond.

More information about the academy and its training pathways is available on the NITA website.