New skills centre for McMillan

The new MacKillop South Gippsland Trades Skills Centre in Leongatha will help create pathways for local students into the workforce and on to valued careers, Member for for McMillan Russell Broadbent said.

Local students and staff in Leongatha can now make full use of the trade training facilities, which have been developed through the Australian Government’s funding commitment of $1,000,000.

“It was great to open the centre on Wednesday, September 20 and to see the new facilities first-hand,” Mr Broadbent said.

“The MacKillop South Gippsland Trades Skills Centre is all about equipping local students with the real skills they need to help them get the jobs that we will need in the future.

“Training centres like this enable local students to pursue vocational pathways and develop skills across a range of fields.

“There are many cities, communities and regions throughout Australia facing skills shortages in trades like carpentry, electrical, motor mechanics and plumbing.

“So the skills that students will develop at the MacKillop South Gippsland Trades Skills Centre will not only benefit Leongatha, they will be skills that could potentially put them on a pathway for jobs in industries anywhere in Australia.”

Mr Broadbent said the centre incorporates refurbished trade training facility and includes construction, automotive and electrotechnology workshops, a hothouse and new equipment to enrich student learning.

“The Australian Government is committed to ensuring vocational training meets the needs of industry and employers and to providing students with training, particularly in areas where there are skills shortages,” Mr Broadbent said.

“Skills training at secondary school provides a pathway to enter the workplace or to pursue further training after school. I congratulate the entire school community for its foresight in getting this centre up and running.”

 The Assistant Minister for Vocational Education and Skills, the Hon Karen Andrews MP, also congratulated MacKillop South Gippsland Trades Skills Centre on its official opening.

“Training centres like this give local students options to pursue vocational pathways and develop skills across a range of fields and in collaboration with local business,” Minister Andrews said.

“For the community in Leongatha, this is a great opportunity for young people to learn the skills in need locally and across Australia, and for business to support students.

“The Government has invested around $1.4 billion towards 511 projects that are supporting 1289 secondary schools,” Minister Andrews said.

“The Australian Government is committed to improving the quality of our schools and equipping students with the skills they need to succeed as they enter the world after school.”