Alma Ngalmi wins runner up at NT Training Awards

Congratulations to Alma Ngalmi for winning a runner up prize at the NT Training Awards gala ceremony, held on the weekend.

Alma was shortlisted as a finalist in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year category on the back of her successful completion of her Certificates IV in Training and Assessment and Retail Management.

Alma grew up with her family in Numbulwar Community, in South-East Arnhem Land. Her first job was at the Barunga Community Store, which was then managed by Outback Stores on behalf of the community. She soon worked her way up to the role of store supervisor, and from there moved to the Darwin support office as receptionist. She enrolled in Certificate IV in Retail Management as well as Training and Assessor, while juggling full-time work and raising a young family. “This was really hard work but I really enjoyed the challenge,” says Alma.

She completed both qualifications and achieved her goal of becoming the first Aboriginal Retail Trainer at Outback Stores. “This was one of my proudest moment in life,” she says.

Now Alma is leading the way for others to follow in her footsteps, and is mentoring Dotty Repu from Maningrida Community to be the next Aboriginal Retail Trainer at Outback Stores.

“It’s really important for local Aboriginal people to have career pathways and opportunities. It is my job to empower and challenge others to get the best out of themselves. My experience working in remote communities helps breaks down cultural communication barriers. When I train and talk in the local language it makes a big difference and changes the whole experience. VET (Vocational Education and Training) helped me grow my skills, develop confidence and opened up career pathways that I thought weren’t possible,” says Alma.

Alma’s enthusiasm and skills are an asset to Outback Stores, and to all the communities we serve. Well done on your fantastic achievement, Alma!