Students interested in a career in building and construction now have access to a new state-of-the-art learning centre at Wyndham.
The $3.2 million trade training centre at Thomas Carr College, Tarneit, opened last week as part of the ‘Wyndham cluster’, a $9.4 million pledge of the former federal Labor government to build four trade training centres at Thomas Carr College, Mackillop College, The Grange P-12 College and Wyndham Central Secondary College.
Across the cluster, years 9 to 12 students can enrol in level two and three automotive, auto-electrical, bricklaying, carpentry, engineering, electro-technology, furniture- making and cabinet-making courses. The colleges are conducting the courses in partnership with The Gordon TAFE college.
Federal Lalor MP Joanne Ryan said trade training centres were designed to address skill shortages in both traditional trades and emerging industries.
“It was designed to equip schools with the state-of-the-art, industry-standard facilities they need.
““The mission of the trade training centre program is to improve outcomes for young people, to increase engagement in learning, increase retention rates to year 12 and broaden pathways through vocational training.”
The Gordon vocational pathways unit manager Malcolm Humphries said the courses would provide students with hands-on skills training and experience to ensure they are ready to enter the workforce.
“They provide credits into apprenticeships by reducing the amount of off-the-job training.”
Thomas Carr College principal Dr Andrew Watson said more students would be encouraged to stay on and complete their VCEs.
“All centres will have the latest technology … students will be able to complete their studies while gaining a [trade] qualification.”
