ABOUT DSDS

Welcome to Darwin Skills Development Scheme (DSDS), an organization that has been dedicated to providing vocational training and employment services to the community since 1983.

DSDS started as a Community Youth Support Scheme (CYSS) program in 1983, providing vocational training for youth in areas where local industry had identified skill shortages. Since then, DSDS has evolved and expanded its services to meet the changing needs of the community.

In 1986, DSDS introduced Project Employment, a program that assists people with disabilities to enter the workforce. DSDS also ran a Community Volunteer Program from 1988 until 1989, when it merged with the Department of Employment and Education funded vocational training programs and the introduction of the Skillshare Program.

In 1989, DSDS was incorporated as an Association in the Northern Territory under the Associations Incorporation Act. From 1992 to 2011, DSDS held Registered Training Organisation status with the Department of Education, Employment and Training (previously Northern Territory Employment and Training Authority, NTETA). Currently, DSDS delivers non-accredited training under its own right and accredited training in partnership with other Registered Training Organisations.

Over the years, DSDS has delivered a range of employment services, including job matching, job search assistance, and intensive assistance to jobseekers. DSDS also delivered the Work for the Dole Program from 2000 to 2009 and the Personal Support Program from 2002 to 2009, which assisted unemployed clients to address barriers to entering the workforce.

From 1996 to 2009, DSDS also delivered a number of youth programs, including JPET, Job Pathways, Indigenous Youth Programs, and the self-funded DSDS Youth Services program. Although the Federal Government closed these programs in 2009, DSDS continues to provide valuable training and employment services to the community.

DSDS also provided training to remote community organizations that were delivering their own Job Services Australia programs.

At DSDS, we are committed to providing high-quality vocational training and employment services to the community, and we look forward to continuing to support and empower individuals in Darwin and beyond.