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Empowering Indigenous Australians Through On-Country Civil Construction Training in Ngukurr
Home Empowering Indigenous Australians Through On-Country Civil Construction Training in Ngukurr
30 July 2025
5 minute read

At Batchelor Institute of Indigenous Tertiary Education (RTO 0383), we believe in delivering education that meets students where they are—literally. Our Vocational Education and Training (VET) programs in civil construction are designed to empower Indigenous Australians with practical skills that lead to real job opportunities in their home communities. A shining example of this approach is our on-Country training in Ngukurr, a vibrant Aboriginal community in southern Arnhem Land on Ngalaigan land. Here, students gain VET qualifications in civil construction, from skid-steer operation to excavator handling, all grounded in our "Both Ways" philosophy that blends Indigenous knowledge with Western education.

From Tradesperson to Inspirational Teacher: Alvin Tan's Journey

Alvin Tan, a dedicated lecturer at Batchelor Institute, embodies the transition from hands-on tradesperson to educator. After years in the field, Alvin sought a better work-life balance and a way to share his expertise. Approaching a lecturer at Charles Darwin University, he was encouraged to pursue teaching while maintaining his industry credentials. "I took to the work-life balance and started as a teaching assistant," Alvin recalls. He soon completed a Bachelor of Education and has been teaching civil construction ever since—from skid-steer loaders to excavators and even traffic management.

Alvin's commitment to staying current in the industry is unwavering. He operates machinery on weekends to maintain his skills, ensuring his students receive up-to-date, practical training. His broad experience across civil construction makes him a go-to expert for communities like Ngukurr, where local needs drive the curriculum.

Community-Focused Learning on Ngalaigan Land

Ngukurr is a diverse community where Kriol is the main language spoken, alongside endangered languages like Alawa, Mara, Ngalakgan, Wandarrang, Ngandi, Nunggubuyu, and Ritharrngu. Our training programs respect this cultural richness, delivering education that builds confidence and skills for local roles. Alvin trains the next generation of excavator operators for essential community tasks, such as maintaining infrastructure or even preparing gravesites—a practical necessity that also serves as hands-on practice.

Students often come from surrounding areas like Numbulwar, Urapunga, and beyond, drawn by Alvin's clear communication and cultural sensitivity. "We've got multiple different mobs here, all speaking different languages," Alvin notes. "On-Country learning keeps them connected to family and community, fostering commitment and role models for the next generation."

This approach aligns with Batchelor Institute's mission: liberation through education our way. By delivering VET qualifications directly in communities, we remove barriers like travel to urban centres, making Indigenous education accessible and relevant.

Voices from the Ground: Supervisors Share Their Stories

Local supervisors Justin Lansen and Kane Thompson, both trained by Alvin, highlight the transformative impact of our programs. Justin, a proud Alawa man and one of the few remaining native Alawa speakers, has worked with Alvin for years. "Having training here is better than going to town," he says. "It builds qualifications for various community needs, and I can pass my knowledge to the young fellows."

Kane, a Kriol speaker from an outstation near Ngukurr, echoes this: "Alvin is a good person—he relates to everyone. Local training means young people can step up, get jobs, and create a brighter future without leaving home." Both emphasise how qualifications open doors, turning community service into sustainable careers.

Lifelong Learning and Lasting Legacy

Alvin's dedication extends beyond the classroom. He adapts mainstream education for community success, focusing on mutual respect, literacy support, and student wellbeing. As a former senior lecturer at Batchelor Institute, he now focuses full-time on training, building lifelong relationships. "This is people's home—where they're comfortable and successful," he says.

Recognition follows Alvin wherever he goes, from Darwin shopping centres to remote sites. As he nears retirement, his legacy is clear: shared knowledge that endures. "When I go, my knowledge stays with these people," he reflects.

Batchelor Institute's civil construction VET programs, delivered on Kungarakan and Warai Country in Batchelor, Arrernte Country in Alice Springs, and beyond, empower Indigenous Australians to achieve qualifications that lead to meaningful employment. Whether you're interested in excavator training, horticulture, or other civil construction pathways, our "Both Ways" approach ensures culture is strength.

For more on our VET qualifications and Indigenous education opportunities, contact us today.

This article is adapted with permission from "Training up in Ngukurr," originally published in The Australian TAFE Teacher (Winter 2025, Vol. 59-2). Article and Photo Credit to The Australian TAFE Teacher. Read the full issue here: https://www.aeufederal.org.au/news-media/the-australian-tafe-teacher.

Batchelor Institute of Indigenous Tertiary Education (RTO 0383) is Australia’s leading provider of tertiary education for Indigenous Australians, delivering VET and higher education grounded in the “Both Ways” philosophy. With campuses on Kungarakan and Warai Country in Batchelor as well as Arrernte Country in Alice Springs, the Institute empowers students to achieve liberation through education. Learn more at batchelor.edu.au.