2026
Finalist
Northern Territory

Employer: The Arnhem Land Progress Aboriginal Corporation 

Subject Area: Community Services, Retail, First Aid, White Card 

Working as a trainer with the Arnhem Land Progress Aboriginal Corporation, Pablo Stuardo Arismendi delivered Community Services, Retail, First Aid and White Card training across remote Northern Territory communities. Working predominantly with First Nations students, he collaborated with Elders, schools and employers to make learning practical, accessible and culturally safe.

Drawing on his Indigenous heritage and lived experience as a non-native English speaker, Pablo brings valuable insight into the role language, identity and belonging play in educational success.He introduced a two-way learning model that combines structured training with opportunities for students to share culture, language, stories and skills. Pablo's flexible, hands-on approach has increased class sizes, lifted completion rates and helped disengaged students reconnect with school.  

Pablo creates direct employment pathways through work experience opportunities and school-based apprenticeships in community stores. Respectful, innovative and student-centred, Pablo is empowering First Nations learners to gain recognised skills, build confidence and create meaningful futures within their communities.

Building on this impact, Pablo now works with Milingimbi School, supporting First Nations assistant teachers to achieve their qualifications. He also works with senior secondary students through the VET in Schools program, helping them complete nationally recognised VET certificates and develop skills and pathways to future employment.