GTNT Group with partners, Site Institute and Pearson Australia, launched the Northern Territory's very first Pearson VUE Test Centre yesterday afternoon at the GTNT Training Precinct in Darwin. The new facility will have a significant impact on hundreds of students and skilled migrants, who previously would have needed to travel interstate to sit the internationally recognised English language proficiency test.
The facility was officially inaugurated by Minister of Aboriginal Affairs, Education and Workforce Training, the Hon Selena Uibo, GTNT Group CEO Kathryn Stenson, Pearson Australia representative Joseph Hernandez, and Site Institute representative Jamie Wills. The centre’s opening was made possible by combined efforts from GTNT Group, Site Institute, Study NT and Migration NT, with the support of the NT Government Department of Trade, Business and Innovation under the Darwin City Deal.
The launch was attended by over 50 stakeholders, industry representatives and business leaders from across Australia, including former Chief Minister Terry Mills and Head of Post at the Consulate of the Republic of Indonesia, Consul Pak Dicky Soerjanatamihardja.
GTNT Group CEO Kathryn Stenson said: "We are thrilled to have such industry leaders and advocates in education and training attending to celebrate with us today. The addition of this internationally recognised testing platform in the Northern Territory’s training and education landscape is an extremely valuable asset. Hundreds of students who previously would travel interstate to access the testing now no longer need to, thanks to the new centre opening here today.
“The Pearson Testing Centre here at the GTNT Group Learning Precinct is the first of its kind in the Northern Territory. It represents a local solution for employers, training organisations and applicants seeking to migrate, work, study or extend stays in Australia."
The centre, which has been in operation since 19th September 2019, has experienced high demand and is currently fully booked until mid January 2020. GTNT Group is thrilled by the positive response from the NT community and are looking to increase testing sessions in the near future.
Pearson Regional Manager of PTE Academic Joseph Hernandez stated: “PTE Academic is approved by the Department of Home Affairs for all visa applications, and used by all Australian universities to assess international students’ English language proficiency.
“The arrival of PTE Academic will assist in the retention of skilled professionals and international graduates in the Northern Territory, who will be required to sit an English proficiency test for visa and registration purposes.”
