School given boost to improve trades

By Russell Bennett
BELGRAVE Heights Christian College will soon be home to a new $1.2 million trades training centre.
The Federal Government has allocated $2.7 million for two centres in the La Trobe electorate as part of its $2.5 billion program to help schools build and upgrade trade training facilities.
The Belgrave Heights centre will be a collaboration with four other hills schools and will provide certificate-level food preparation and hospitality training.
“Local education and employment are my top priorities,” said La Trobe MP Laura Smyth.
“I couldn’t be more pleased with the announcement of a trade training centre in the hills.
“Congratulations to school principal Andy Callow and all at Belgrave Heights Christian College on their success.”
Under the Belgrave Heights application, students from Belgrave’s Mater Christi College, St Joseph’s in Ferntree Gully, Wantirna South’s St Andrews Christian College and the Mountain District Christian School in Monbulk will all be able to use the facility.
Ms Smyth said the Government was “determined to ensure our economy stays strong by investing in the skilled workforce that businesses in La Trobe will need to stay competitive and create local jobs”.
“We know that a person leaving school before finishing year 11 will earn around 20 per cent below average earnings,” she said.
“We also know that too many school leavers are falling through the cracks and are not successfully making the move to further study or work.
“This investment is giving students in La Trobe more choice to find a career that suits them, and an investment in ensuring local businesses can access a workforce with the latest skills.”
Visit www.tradetrainingcentres.deewr.gov.au for more information.