Minister for Port Darwin Hon Paul Kirby is helping young job-seekers and professionals hone in on invaluable public speaking, presentation and networking skills to drive career path opportunities. 

The effects of Covid-19 have been hard on many with widespread job losses and individuals re-evaluating their future careers. 

“In June, with restrictions easing, we polled our members and wider network to determine what skills they wanted to develop. Overwhelmingly, most voted in favour of developing their public speaking and networking skills. This tells us that young professionals value developing their soft skills. Soft skills aren’t usually taught in workplaces or throughout schooling but are highly regarded when looking for work or when you are progressing in your professional careers” Laura Burfitt, President of the YPN NT. 

Hon Paul Kirby, Minister for Primary Industry and Resources was approached to sponsor this event as he is passionate about supporting young professionals. He plays a role in many job-creating projects within his portfolio throughout the NT and believes good communication and interpersonal skills are life-long skills and can positively impact young professionals throughout their career life-cycle. 

Choosing Amy Hetherington to deliver this workshop was an easy fit. She is after all a communications aficionado and has years of experience under her belt emceeing, facilitating workshops, planning community engagement activities and events. She is also known for her work as comedian and if there’s anything that comedians have to master, it’s public speaking!

The interactive workshop held on Thursday, 9 was a great success. Participants were educated on how to talk confidently and persuasively to both large and small groups. Participants also learned how to plan and deliver their message skillfully and how to manage one of the most common public speaking barriers- fear.  

“Both the committee and members would like to thank Hon Minister Paul Kirby for sponsoring this event. It is an invaluable session developing the skillsets of young professionals in the NT.” Laura Burfitt, President of the YPN NT. 

Young Professionals Network NT (YPN NT) is an association that aims to helps young professionals excel in their careers. They hold monthly professional development and networking events to allow young professionals in the NT a chance to expand their networks and advance their professional skills. 

Pictured in featured image:  Amy Hetherington & participants at Minister Kirby’s office