Rhett Burnie
AN $11.3 million trade training centre that will service secondary schools in McEwen has been given the go ahead.
Both public and private secondary school students from across the region will have access to the centres, which will be housed in three ‘hubs’ at schools in the electorate.
A northern hub will be based at Seymour Technical High School, southern hubs at Assumption College Kilmore and Whittlesea Secondary College and an eastern hub at Alexandra Secondary College.
The hubs will offer students training in automotive, engineering, joinery, carpentry and hospitality.
New building facilities will be constructed for the northern and southern hubs, while existing facilities will be upgraded for the eastern hub.
Contracts between the government and the schools are in the process of being signed but it is believed construction of the new centres will begin next year.
Member for McEwen Rob Mitchell yesterday confirmed the project would go ahead, with Federal Minister for Education Peter Garrett scheduled to arrive at Broadford Secondary College today to make the official announcement.
Mr Mitchell said the hub would be a world class facility, allowing the program to provide vocational training for teenagers seeking a trade qualification.
More than 3500 students are currently enrolled in secondary schools across McEwen.
He said students would no longer need to leave school to receive much-needed experience.
“It’s important that local kids get the opportunity to further expand and develop their skills locally.
“This government believes in the transformative nature of education, it gives our kids the best start in life,” Mr Mitchell said.
Mr Mitchell said the trade training centres would also allow young people to complete year 12 while gaining hands on experience.
“It’s great to see our kids in (our) areas get trades and technical qualifications in well-equipped, modern facilities whilst they complete their secondary studies (year 12),” he said.
“We want to make every school a great school and give every student every opportunity …” Mr Mitchell said.
“The Gillard Labor Government committed to delivering trade training centres during the recent Federal election and I am pleased to say that, along with the co-operation of local schools and my continuous advocacy to various Ministers, particularly the Minister for School Education Peter Garrett, we were able to achieve this,” Mr Mitchell said.
He said secondary schools across the region had worked together in applying for the funding.
“The partnership between government and independent schools should be applauded.” Mr Mitchell said.
The State Member for Seymour, Ben Hardman, was delighted with today’s announcement.
Mr Hardman said the program would complement the State Government’s plan to build a Technical Education Centre (TEC) in Seymour if Labor is re-elected in this month’s state election.
“It’s great to see both State and Federal Governments working together to make our community a hub for trade learning, which in turn will boost our local economy and give our young people the skills they need now, to succeed in the future,” Mr Hardman said.
Mr Mitchell congratulated Broadford Secondary College, who led the application process for the trade training centre.
“Congratulations to all our local secondary schools that applied for, and were successful in, the third round of this important program, particularly Broadford Secondary School, who led the schools in their applications,” he said.
