More than 100 prisoners across the Northern Territory have commenced the Ready to Work program, with the employment initiative now expanding into Alice Springs to help participants prepare for long-term employment and successful reintegration into the community. The program is being delivered by Workskil Australia in partnership with the Northern Territory Department of Corrections.

The program is designed to support people in custody and those serving Community Corrections Orders by providing practical employment assistance, tailored training, mentoring and ongoing support. The expansion into Alice Springs means participants in Central Australia will have greater access to services aimed at helping them find and maintain employment.

According to the Northern Territory Government, 295 referrals have been made to the Ready to Work program since March. The initiative initially began in Darwin earlier this year before being expanded across the Territory.

Employment support is a key part of the program's approach. Participants receive assistance designed to prepare them for the workforce, including guidance around employment opportunities and support that continues after they leave custody.

Authorities say the program is intended to address some of the challenges people can face when returning to the community after imprisonment. Having access to employment opportunities and continued assistance can help participants establish greater independence and build more stable lives.

Northern Territory Corrections Minister Malarndirri McCarthy said programs such as Ready to Work provide more than assistance with finding employment. The government says ongoing support can help participants remain employed, develop independence and contribute positively to their communities.

The expansion is also being presented as part of broader efforts to reduce reoffending. By connecting participants with employers and providing support during the transition back into the community, the program aims to address some of the barriers that can make it difficult for people leaving custody to secure stable work.

For Alice Springs, the arrival of the program adds another employment-support service for people involved with the corrections system. Workskil Australia's involvement means participants can access specialised employment assistance while preparing for their return to community life.

The program is not limited to Alice Springs. Workskil Australia is preparing to expand its services to Tennant Creek, Katherine and Nhulunbuy later this year, extending the initiative's reach to other Northern Territory communities.

The government says expanding employment assistance across the Territory can support both individual participants and the wider community. Stable employment can provide income, routine and opportunities for people rebuilding their lives after custody.

The Ready to Work program's expansion comes as authorities continue looking at ways to improve rehabilitation and reintegration outcomes within the Northern Territory corrections system. Providing practical employment pathways is one part of that broader approach.

For participants in Alice Springs, the program offers an opportunity to develop workplace skills, connect with potential employment opportunities and receive support during an important period of transition.

The Northern Territory Government and Workskil Australia will continue expanding the program as more participants are referred and services become available in additional regional centres.