Funding has been approved for a Trades Skills Centre at Western Port Secondary College.
The $1.1million facility will assist in up-skilling young people in the trades sector so they are able to take up local employment opportunities.
Project funding agreements have been amended to improve industry engagement and collaboration.
There is a keen interest among many young people to take up employment in trade industries and this will provide them with the necessary skills to fulfil their passions.
Funding for the Western Port Trades Skills Centre will allow for an additional engineering workshop and new equipment.
The centre will deliver qualifications in automotive and engineering to address skills shortages in the trades of fitter (general), fitter-welder, metal fabricator, motor mechanics (general), motorcycle mechanic and welder (first class).
It is brilliant to see these young people thriving in a hands-on environment and learning trades that may become their future careers.
Western Port Secondary College Acting Principal Michael Devine said the facility would create more opportunities for students to gain trades skills.
“There are some real skill shortages across the Mornington Peninsula and this centre will help provide formal qualifications in those areas,” he said.
“The opportunities presented by the Trades Skills Centre allow students to remain engaged in education and complete a senior secondary program.”
“The school has been working hard to expand educational programs and enhance opportunities for young people in Hastings and the surrounding area and this facility will do just that.”
Trades Skills Centres build on vocational education and training in schools, while forging stronger connections with industry.
More than 220 schools will benefit from $209 million in funding for Round Five (phase one) of the program, which will deliver 136 Trades Skills Centres across Australia.
Media contact: Samantha Robin on 03 5979 3188 or 0427 787 166