Services and support
Aboriginal leadership and career pathways
Growing, supporting and retaining a strong Aboriginal health workforce across the Northern Territory.
The AMSANT workforce and leadership support (WALS) approach brings together Aboriginal leadership, the workforce trainee program and career pathways.
Each pillar has its own focus and activities, but they all work together to create real opportunities for Aboriginal people to enter the health workforce, build their skills and step into leadership roles across Aboriginal community controlled health services (ACCHSs) and AMSANT member services.
Our approach
1. Aboriginal leadership
The Aboriginal leadership team supports current and emerging Aboriginal leaders in clinics, corporate teams, community roles and on boards. We provide workshops, mentoring and values-based learning to build confidence, skills and support networks, so Aboriginal people can lead strong, culturally grounded services and communities.
2. Workforce trainee program
The workforce trainee program helps Aboriginal people take their first steps into the health workforce. We support trainees and services to navigate nationally recognised qualifications and on-the-job learning, so trainees can gain real work experience and a solid foundation for long-term careers in primary health care.
3. Career pathways
The career pathways support focuses on ‘what’s next’—helping staff move from entry-level roles and traineeships into ongoing positions, higher qualifications and leadership opportunities. We work with services and partners to map pathways, remove barriers and support Aboriginal staff to keep growing in their careers.
Together, this approach forms a continuum:
Start in a traineeship → grow your skills and role, through clear career pathways → lead services and communities through strong Aboriginal leadership.
What We do
Across these three pillars, we:
- deliver leadership workshops, yarning spaces and mentoring for Aboriginal staff and community leaders
- coordinate and support traineeship opportunities across member services
- work with registered training organisations and partners to make training more flexible and accessible
- help member services map clear career pathways for Aboriginal staff, from entry-level through to senior and leadership roles
- provide tools, resources and advice to managers on how to support and retain Aboriginal staff.
ACCHSs are strongest when Aboriginal people are leading and working in them at every level.
By connecting leadership, traineeships and career pathways into a single, coordinated approach, we:
- create real jobs and qualifications for Aboriginal people across the Northern Territory
- keep knowledge, skills and leadership on country and within communities
- support staff wellbeing, confidence and stability in the workforce
- strengthen community control and culturally safe care for Aboriginal people.
How we support member services
We work closely with member services to:
- identify current and emerging Aboriginal leaders, trainees and staff who want to grow
- plan local traineeship positions and workforce development strategies
- design leadership and career development activities that fit local context and community priorities
- provide templates, checklists and resources for supervision, mentoring and staff support
- connect staff and managers into networks, training and opportunities across the Northern Territory and nationally.
Who we work with
- Aboriginal staff in clinical, corporate, community and governance roles
- trainees and students interested in primary health care careers
- community leaders and directors
- CEOs, managers, HR teams and training providers who are committed to growing an Aboriginal health workforce.
Get in touch
To discuss Aboriginal leadership, the workforce trainee program or career pathways, or how these three pillars can support member services, please contact the WALS team.