Saltwater Pathways Program

Kick-start your career in the exciting world of the Energy Industry with a traineeship today!

Programmed Apprenticeships & Traineeships (PAT) in conjunction with the Barossa Aboriginal Futures Fund (BAFF) are thrilled to offer multiple exciting and paid career pathway opportunities. Successful candidates will have the opportunity to gain workplace experience whilst undertaking a traineeship towards a nationally accredited qualification, developing the skills required for an exciting career in the energy industry in a workplace connected to the Barossa Operations (i.e Offshore, Onshore or Supply Chain connection).

The Barossa Aboriginal Futures Fund (BAFF) is a collaborative initiative dedicated to benefiting coastal Aboriginal communities in the Northern Territory, funded by a joint venture of Santos, PRISM Energy Australia, and JERA Australia. Each partner plays a pivotal role in supporting the Barossa Gas Project, demonstrating a commitment to community engagement and Indigenous employment through its establishment.

About the Saltwater Pathways Program

The Saltwater Pathway Program aims to support the BAFFs purpose, to contribute positively to the NT Aboriginal coastal communities, with a geographical connection to the Santos' Barossa Operations.

We welcome applications from all First Nations Australians from Darwin/Daly/Wagait, Tiwi Islands, West Arnhem, East Arnhem and the Victoria River Districts.

The successful candidates will have the opportunity to gain workplace experience whilst undertaking a traineeship towards a Certificate II, III or IV level qualification, developing the skills required for an exciting career in the energy industry.

These positions would suit organised and focused individuals, who are looking to start a career in the energy industry.

The Onshore Opportunities:

The positions will be full-time based at one the Saltwater Pathways Program partner sites, working Monday to Friday. The traineeships will be a mix of hands-on practical experience and online/classroom lessons.

• Cert III Supply Chain Operations (Warehouse Stream or Logistics Steam)
• Cert III Conservation & Land Management
• Cert III Laboratory Skills
• Cert III Business (Procurement)
• Cert II & Cert III Security Operations

The Offshore Opportunities:

The positions will be full-time based on one of the Saltwater Pathways Program partner sites, initially working Monday to Friday before transitioning to an even time roster of 3 weeks, 3 weeks off. The traineeships will be a mix of hands-on practical experience and online/classroom lessons. The positions will require transport via helicopter to the offshore asset.

• Cert III Supply Chain Operations (Warehouse Stream or Logistics Steam)
• Cert IV Work Health and Safety
• Cert III in Hospitality

Interested in more than one role? You're welcome to apply for multiple opportunities when you complete your online application.

To be successful in the Saltwater Pathways Program role, you will have:

• High organisational ability
• Excellent communication skills
• Basic knowledge of Microsoft Office software
• An interest in and an ability to actively learn and be committed to completing a Certificate III traineeship
• Have an interest in developing a long-term career in the Energy sector

In addition to the above, you must also:

• Identify as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person from the noted regions
• Have a sound level of literacy and numeracy skills
• Willing to undergo police and medical checks
• Be able to work full-time
• Live in Darwin (or be able to relocate to Darwin) with a history of living and working in the Northern Territory (NT)

Benefits of this role include:

• Paid learning/training opportunity
• Ongoing support and cultural mentoring
• Completion of a nationally recognised qualification
• Competitive salary conditions

If you have a passion to build a professional career in the energy industry and you fit the above criteria, please click on the Apply Now button and ensure you attach your cover letter and resume.

The Barossa Aboriginal Futures Fund and Programmed are committed to improving employment opportunities and outcomes for First Nations people.

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

The Saltwater Pathways Program has been designed to offer career opportunities to the Northern Territory Coastal communities and candidates that have connections to the Traditional Custodian Groups, including:

• Darwin/Daly/Wagait: Larrakia, Malak Malak and Wadjiginy people
• Tiwi Islands: Tiwi people
• West Arnhem: Jawoyn, Gundjeihmi, and Yangman people
• East Arnhem: Yolŋu people (including groups such as the Djambatj, Gumatj, and Rirratjingu)
• Victoria River District: Ngaliwurru and Nungali people

For more information, please contact the Programmed Recruitment Team on 08 9229 8208 (AWST) for a confidential chat. Alternatively email Steven Lolias, Training Coordinator for Programmed at

Applications close Wednesday, 19th August 2026

Who we are

As one of Australia's largest employers, we work with great companies all around Australia and New Zealand to give you the best opportunities to work when and where you want to.

At Programmed, we are committed to creating a safe and inclusive environment which values and respects diverse styles, backgrounds, experiences and perspectives.

We welcome and encourage women, people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent and people from diverse backgrounds to apply.

So it's over to you. If you would like to join our team, APPLY now.

To learn more about working with Programmed, we encourage you to visit our website.