SeaLink Northern Territory has launched a new maritime work experience program designed to introduce secondary students from the Groote Archipelago to career opportunities within Australia's maritime industry.

The six-week pilot program will see students from schools across Groote Eylandt and Bickerton Island spend one day a week onboard SeaLink's passenger vessel Phoenix, gaining first-hand experience of vessel operations, maritime safety and career pathways.

The program commenced last week on Bickerton Island, located approximately 45 minutes by sea west of Groote Eylandt, when Tony Ponto, a Year 10 student from Milyakburra School, stepped onboard as the program's first participant.

Tony joined the Phoenix crew for a full day on the water, experiencing life onboard a working passenger vessel and gaining an early introduction to the responsibilities and teamwork involved in maritime operations.

The program has been developed through collaboration with:

• Northern Territory Department of Education and Training, led by Megan Nugraha
• Milyakburra School, Principal Angela Lawrence and Teacher Matthew Buckland

• SeaLink Northern Territory's crew and local operations team, including David Gallagher and Kaitlyn Ross

The program continued this week with a second participant from Alyangula Area School, marking the beginning of what SeaLink intends to grow into a long-term pathway for young people across the region to explore careers in the maritime sector.

Etienne Raubenheimer, General Manager SeaLink Northern Territory, said the initiative reflects SeaLink's commitment to supporting local employment pathways and strengthening connections with the communities it serves.

“This program is about creating local pathways into real jobs on Country,” Mr Raubenheimer said. “By introducing students to vessel operations and the deckhand pathway in a safe and practical environment, we're helping young people build confidence and see what a future in maritime could look like.”

The structured program sees students complete a guided workbook alongside supervised onboard activities designed to introduce maritime terminology, vessel operations and safety awareness.

Megan Nugraha, Senior VET Advisor – East Arnhem & Top End (Remote) Region, VET, Industry & Pathways, Northern Territory Department of Education and Training, Northern Territory Government, said the initiative provides valuable exposure for students in remote communities to explore career pathways beyond the classroom.

 “This program gives students in the Groote Archipelago the opportunity to experience a real working environment and gain insight into the range of careers available in the maritime sector,” Mrs Nugraha said.

 “Work experience plays an important role in helping young people build confidence, develop practical skills and better understand the pathways available to them as they transition from school into future training and employment.”

The Groote Archipelago, located off the eastern coast of Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory, is home to several remote communities including Alyangula, Angurugu and Milyakburra. SeaLink Northern Territory provides essential passenger transport services between Groote Eylandt, Bickerton Island and the mainland community of Numbulwar under contract with the Groote Eylandt Aboriginal Trust (GEAT) and the Northern Territory Government.

For many young people in the region, the maritime sector represents an important and accessible employment pathway, supporting both local mobility and the region's growing marine and tourism industries.

The work experience initiative also supports the goals of SeaLink Marine & Tourism's Reconciliation Action Plan, which includes commitments to strengthening employment and training opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Mr Raubenheimer said maritime careers offer a wide range of opportunities across operations, engineering, marine tourism and logistics. “Programs like this provide an early introduction to the industry and help young people understand the possibilities available to them in maritime.”

SeaLink plans to expand the program in the coming years, building a long-term pathway for students from the Groote Archipelago to transition from school into maritime training and careers on the water.

For more information about SeaLink Norther Territory, visit: www.sealink.com.au.