An innovative program of courses specifically designed to better prepare people for work has been introduced at Punmu and Kunawarritji. The program focusses on younger people, though participation is open to men and women of all ages. The Transition-to--Work program offers two distinct courses - in Work Readiness and Industrial Skills - in three-week segments to help prepare participants for the practical challenges facing them as they embark on a career.

Participants completing either of the courses receive certificates which are recognised at formal training institutions such as Pundulmurra College and attract credits toward further formal studies. Eight Vocational Education and Training courses are offered at RAWA school in Punmu: in horticulture, hospitality, information technology, heavy machinery, radio programming, intensive livestock management and manual arts, including woodwork and welding. About 20 members of the two communities, all aged 15 years or older, are registered in the courses, .The courses are being jointly coordinated by RAWA teacher Matt Alterator, and James Back, who returned to Punmu recently after a period in Perth working in the health industry. James first moved to Punmu in 2002 to undertake studies for a Master’s degree focussing on health and, specifically, diabetes, a condition which he has had since he was 13.