In principle funding approved for local Trade Training Centres
09-January-2012
Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton has welcomed the approval of in principle funding to four schools in the Parkes Electorate through the Australian Government’s Trade Training Centres in Schools Program.
The Federal Government has approved the following projects as part of the fourth round of the Trade Training Centres in Schools Program:
- Up to $923,000 for the Brewarrina Central School to establish the Brewarrina Trade Training Centre. The Trade Training Centre includes the refurbishment of an existing facility to include a construction workshop and an engineering workshop and also the provision of equipment. It will deliver Certificate II qualifications in construction and engineering to address skills shortages in the trades of carpenter and welder.
- Up to $1.5 million for the Walgett Community College High School to establish the Walgett Trade Training Centre. The Trade Training Centre includes the construction of a covered outdoor construction workshop, the refurbishment of two existing facilities to include an engineering workshop and commercial kitchen and also the provision of equipment. It will deliver Certificate II qualifications in construction, engineering and hospitality to address skills shortages in the trades carpenter, cook, fitter and welder.
- Up to $991,000 for the Warren Central School to establish the Warren Trade Training Centre. The Trade Training Centre includes the refurbishment of an existing facility to include a commercial kitchen and also the provision of equipment. It will deliver Certificate II qualifications in hospitality to address skills shortages in the trade of cook.
- Up to $1,391,000 for the Wee Waa High School to establish the Wee Waa Community Trade Training Centre. The Trade Training Centre includes the refurbishment of an existing facility to include a commercial kitchen and also the provision of equipment. It will deliver Certificate I and II qualifications in hospitality to address skills shortages in the trade of cook.
“These are very worthwhile projects and I would congratulate the schools for their high quality applications,” he said. “These school communities have worked hard on these and were successful in this round. Their efforts will ensure local students have every opportunity to excel.”
Mr Coulton said these centres will help address skills shortages in a range of areas including general construction, engineering, automotive, hospitality, agriculture and primary industries.
“It will also play a large part in keeping students at school through to Years 11 and 12 and upon graduation ensure there will be a new generation of skilled and qualified workers ready to begin work in these communities.”
Mr Coulton said access to premium education facilities is extremely important for students, particularly those living in regional and rural areas.
“Many students are often interested in pursuing a trade, and these centres allow students to access training opportunities whilst still at high school. It is a great initiative which creates a new generation of skilled and qualified workers for our region – something that we are desperately in need of.”