Charles Darwin University to launch construction management course in Northern Territory

Charles Darwin University (CDU) will launch a new Master of Construction Management in Semester 1, 2027, to address workforce shortages in the Northern Territory. The program aims to train up to 70 students per intake to lead complex construction projects, with options for both domestic and international students to study online.

Professor Stefanija Klaric, CDU discipline chair in engineering, noted that the Northern Territory currently relies heavily on managers from southern states who may lack familiarity with local challenges. These challenges include extreme weather, long freight distances for materials, limited local manufacturing, and the remoteness of certain build sites.

Industry leaders, including DCOH Managing Director Shane Dignan, have welcomed the initiative, stating that local access to tertiary qualifications is essential for strengthening the economy and retaining skilled professionals within the territory.