Saltwater Pathways Program

The Saltwater Pathways Program is a dedicated initiative coordinated by Programmed Apprenticeships and Training (PAT) and the Barossa Aboriginal Future Fund (BAFF).

It creates employment and training pathways for First Nations candidates from Northern Territory coastal communities with a geographical connection to Barossa Operations, helping build long-term skills, careers and security.

The Barossa Aboriginal Future Fund (BAFF) is a collaborative initiative dedicated to benefiting coastal Aboriginal communities in the Northern Territory. It is funded by the Barossa joint venture partners Santos, Prism Energy Australia and JERA Australia.

Learn more about the BAFF.

The BAFF was established to share the benefits of the project with Northern Territory coastal Aboriginal people living in these coastal regions:

• Darwin, Daly and Wagait
• Tiwi Islands
• West Arnhem
• East Arnhem
• Victoria River District

Saltwater Pathways Program partners offering workplace experience include:

• Intertek
• Qube
• BW Offshore
• ESS Support Services Worldwide
• Santos
• Fields Group Indigenous

Yes. After the assessment centre, successful candidates will receive a traineeship and host company offer. Programmed will employ you for the duration of the traineeship, while your host company will play a central role in your training, workplace experience and site location.

The inaugural intake is intended to support up to 13 trainees. All positions will begin together with an induction program. Rosters and working conditions will depend on the role you are offered, with further details shared during recruitment.

View the onshore and offshore opportunities.

You will be employed by Programmed Apprenticeships and Traineeships for the duration of your traineeship.

The filling of these positions is intended to constitute a special or equal opportunity measure under section 8(1) of the Racial Discrimination Act 1975 (Cth) and the Discrimination Act 1996 (NT). The positions are therefore only open to Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander applicants.

The program is a targeted initiative creating pathways for Northern Territory coastal First Nations communities through the BAFF.

Applications must be submitted online before 5:00pm ACST, Wednesday 19 August 2026. Use the Apply now button on this page and complete the online application form for the opportunities that interest you.

No. Once the deadline has passed, applications cannot be accepted because each stage of the recruitment process follows a strict timeline.

Yes. When you apply, you can select any or all of the opportunities that interest you. During recruitment, the team will work with you to determine which role best aligns with your skills and aspirations.

All applications must be submitted through the Programmed website, where you will complete an online application form and upload your resume and cover letter if you have one.

If you cannot complete the application online, call 08 8985 9620 and press #2 for Programmed Training to discuss any challenges.

Yes. Age is not a limitation. If you meet the other criteria outlined in the advertisement and application, your application will be accepted.

If you do not currently have a formal confirmation letter, contact your local Land Council, Aboriginal Corporation or community organisation to discuss obtaining one.

All information provided will be kept strictly confidential and used only to confirm eligibility for this identified role.

All traineeship roles are scheduled to commence in November 2026. Successful candidates will receive more information as they progress through the recruitment stages.

The aptitude tests measure your current abilities and potential, so you do not need to study beforehand. The computer-based test assesses your strengths and ability to learn new concepts.

Tests will be completed online at a Programmed office when you attend your interview. Get enough sleep, eat beforehand and stay hydrated. Free examples of aptitude testing are also available online if you would like to familiarise yourself with the format.

Contact Programmed as soon as possible so the team can discuss the available dates and times with you. Because each recruitment stage follows a strict timeline, attendance will be required on one of the selected dates.

Candidates will receive progress updates throughout the process. Final offers will be made to successful trainees after due diligence is completed.

Due diligence includes pre-employment medicals, drug and alcohol testing, reference checks, police clearance checks and a Proof of Aboriginality certificate. Candidates who reach this stage will be contacted by the Programmed team.

The assessment centre gives the Programmed, Saltwater Pathways Program and host company teams an opportunity to get to know you. You will participate in interactive group activities and discussions with other candidates.

The assessment centre will be held on 23 and 24 September 2026, and you will be required to attend in person.

Because of the number of applications, individual status updates may not always be available. The team will do its best to keep you informed, and you will receive progression updates by email throughout the recruitment stages.

If you need wheelchair access, a support person, hearing assistance, additional assessment time or another adjustment, call the Programmed team on 08 8985 9620 and press #2. You can also tell the team at any stage of the recruitment process.

You will be employed under the conditions of the Hydrocarbons (Upstream) Award. You can expect an annual salary of up to $64,834 in your first year, including a 15% special purpose allowance.

No. You will be supplied with the items required for educational training and on-the-job training.

No. The traineeship is a 24-month opportunity, and ongoing employment cannot be guaranteed by Programmed or the host companies.

You will gain valuable workplace experience and a nationally recognised qualification when you successfully complete your training, increasing your future employment opportunities.