Flinders MP Greg Hunt MP visited Newhaven College on Thursday following an invitation from the school to see the progression of building works at the school’s Phillip Island Road campus.
Mr Hunt took a tour of the school to see works progressing on the College’s new Trades Skills Centre, which was built with $1.5million in Federal government funding.
The facility will assist in up-skilling young people in the trades sector so they are able to take up local employment opportunities.
“It is fantastic to see the building works progressing and I look forward to seeing it completed,” Mr Hunt said.
The building will have a theory space, meeting room and equipment, allowing students to gain qualifications in carpentry and furnishing.
“This will help to address skills shortages in the trades of carpentry and furniture finishing in the Phillip Island area,” Mr Hunt said.
College principal Gea Lovell said the school had already received significant interest from local young people wanting to complete courses through the Trades Skills Centre.
“The Trades Skills Centre will be a place for young people to gain qualifications in areas of work shortage in the region,” she said.
“This will be open to young people attending Newhaven College but also, eventually, to young people throughout the community.
“The opportunities presented by the Trades Skills Centre allow students to remain engaged in education and complete a senior secondary program, through vocational education and training.”
“The Trades Skills Centre is expected to be completed in December, ready for students to commence classes for the beginning of the 2015 school year.”
Mr Hunt also surveyed the site for the school’s new library and administration building.
Construction of the building, which is soon to commence, was made possible through a $500,000 Commonwealth government capital grant.
“With the completion of these two buildings Newhaven College will be well-placed to deliver first class education in state-of-the-art facilities,” Mr Hunt said.
“This contribution from the Australian Government represents our commitment to provide all school children with the infrastructure that will help them learn and thrive.”
“I congratulate Newhaven College on their commitment to improving the opportunities for students on Phillip Island,” he said.
Ms Lovell said the new buildings would make an enormous difference to the school.
“The school is working hard to ensure students have access to the latest technology so that they finish secondary school with the skills they need to gain meaningful employment or go on to further studies,” she said.
“Having these buildings means Newhaven College will have the best facilities paired with exceptional education.
“This is an exciting time for students and teachers at Newhaven and we look forward to commencing classes in the new buildings.”
Media contact: Samantha Robin on 03 5979 3188 or 0427 787 166