The opening late yesterday of the new South East Trade Training Centre at Sorell, the Tasman Trades Skills Centre at Nubeena and the Trade Training Centre, at Triabunna will help create pathways for local students into the workforce and to valued careers, says Federal Lyons MP Eric Hutchinson.
Local students and staff at Sorell, Nubeena and Triabunna can now make full use of vocational training facilities which have been developed through the Federal Government’s funding commitment of $3,128,008.
“These training facilities are all about giving students the real skills they need to help them get the jobs that we will need in the future,” Mr Hutchinson said.
“Training centres like these enable local students to pursue vocational pathways and develop skills across a range of fields.
“There are real skills shortages around Tasmania – business needs employees who have the right type of training for businesses that are increasingly specialised.
“This means that local students and the rest of the school community will benefit from the use of these innovative new facilities.”
Mr Hutchinson said the South East Trade Training Centre incorporates a new horticulture facility including solar panels, propagation and landscaping areas and nursery, a new hospitality facility including a commercial kitchen, servery and theory rooms, storage, reception and lounge area and a refurbished hospitality facility to include a commercial kitchen, solar panels, theory and equipment room and equipment across both sites.
He said that funding for the Tasman Trades Skills Centre was used to refurbish a teaching kitchen which includes a new entry canopy, store room and upgrade of electrical and hydraulic services. A new agriculture workshop was also constructed that includes covered external areas and storage, horticultural beds, irrigation system, an upgrade of services and new equipment.
“The Federal Government is committed to ensuring vocational training meets the needs of industry and employers and provides students with training, particularly in areas where there are skills shortages.” Mr Hutchinson said.
“Skills training at secondary school provides a base for students to pursue further training after school or to enter the workplace.
“I congratulate these school communities for their foresight in getting these centres up and running.
“I particularly want to congratulate Tasman principal Ted Barrance and his planning committee for delivering this high quality facility – I think this will be extremely valuable in this isolated community on the Tasman Peninsula.”
Minister for Education and Training Senator Simon Birmingham also congratulated South East Trade Training Centre and Tasman Trades Skills Centre and the Triabunna Trade Training Centre on their official openings.
Senator Birmingham said that as well as delivering increased funding to schools, the Federal Government was focused on quality education for Australian schools.
“While buildings alone do not make a great school, I hope students and staff will enjoy learning and be inspired by these new facilities,” Senator Birmingham said.
“The Federal Government is committed to improving the quality of our schools and equipping students with the skills they need to succeed in an increasingly competitive world.”
Senator the Hon Simon Birmingham Minister for Education and Training Senator for South Australia Mr Eric Hutchinson MP Member for Lyons
