Hands-on training and qualifications in bakery, hospitality and manufacturing are what’s being offered by a new training centre opened in South Australia this week at Greek Orthodox school St George College, in Thebarton.
The training centre aims to provide students with a launch pad into the workforce after school.
The Member for Adelaide and Employment Participation Minister Kate Ellis officially opened the St George Hospitality Skills Trade Training Centre at St George College which is expected to train 160 high schools students each year.
Ms Ellis said the Trade Training Centre received $1.5 million from the Australian Government and was already paying huge dividends for the school, the students and the broader community since it first started operating in August 2011.
“This state-of-the-art trade training centre is a magnificent addition to our schools system in Adelaide and a great asset for young people looking for rewarding full-time work after completing Year 12,” Ms Ellis said.
“Labor’s Trade Training Centre program aims to increase Year 12 or equivalent attainment and improve student career options, particularly in skills shortages areas which students can opt to use as part of their curriculum.”
“I congratulate all of those involved in making this project a success and applaud the commitment to improving the opportunities and training pathways for the young people of our community.”
Member for Hindmarsh Steve Georganas said it was fantastic to see local input from principals, parents and tradespeople in delivering the important community project.
“This trade training facility will provide industry relevant training in various industries, including qualifications in bakery, hospitality and manufacturing that will best prepare our students for the highly skilled workforce of tomorrow,” Mr Georganas said.
“To date, under the Trade Training Centres in Schools Program over $135 million in funding has been approved for 47 Trade Training Centre projects, benefitting 139 schools in South Australia.”
The Program is one of a number of Australian Government initiatives designed to improve the quality of schooling nationwide and build a highly qualified, well trained Australian workforce.
Trade Training Centres are being established to help increase the proportion of students achieving Year 12 or an equivalent qualification and help address skill shortages in traditional trades and emerging industries.
To date the Program has approved $1.2 billion to fund more than 370 projects, benefiting over 1070 schools around Australia.