McCormack confirms $5½ million in Trades Training Centre funding

THE Nationals’ Federal Member for Riverina, Michael McCormack, has today confirmed more than $5½ million funding for Trades Training Centres throughout the region.



"The Coalition will fund the Round Five (Phase One) Trades Training Centre projects which is fantastic for Riverina students," Mr McCormack said. 

"This means the Riverina will have funding for four Trades Training Centres, benefiting six schools." 

Temora High School, Batlow Technology School and Tumbarumba High School will each have a Trades Training Centre facility, while Ardlethan Central School will have a $2.845 million centre built with Ariah Park and Barellan Central Schools as partner schools. 

"These four Trades Training Centres will provide students with certificates in engineering, building and construction, agrifood operations, carpentry and joinery and the metal fabrication trade," Mr McCormack said.
 
"The Riverina has done very well out of this round of funding, and I am pleased these Trades Training Centres will help equip local students with a valuable skill set to use throughout the region. 

"It is important that skill shortages are addressed, particularly in country areas, and these centres empower schools to provide outstanding vocational opportunities for students." 

In total, the Riverina projects have attracted $5.622 million in funding. 

"The Coalition had to find the money for these projects in a challenging budget environment, so I am pleased the Riverina has had such a large investment in these important projects," Mr McCormack said. 

The Department of Education will begin funding arrangement negotiations with the schools in coming weeks. 

Schools funding at a glance:

  • Ardlethan Central School: $2,845,000 to establish the Riverina Access Partnership of Schools Trade Training Centre with Ariah Park and Barellan Central Schools to provide Certificate I in agrifood operations, Certificate II in agriculture, Certificate II in construction pathways, Certificate II in engineering and Certificate II in hospitality.

  • Batlow Technology High: $855,000 to establish the HV Smith Memorial Trade Training Centre to provide Certificates I and II in engineering.

  • Temora High $1 million for the Goldenfields Learning Community Trade Training Centre to provide Certificates I and II in engineering and Certificate II in construction pathways.

  • Tumbarumba High $1 million for a centre to provide Certificate I in manufacturing and Certificate II in engineering.

Cristy Houghton