HOSPITALITY and construction industries are thriving in Australia and Orange Christian School is eager to help give students the best chance to enter the booming industries.
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Construction of the school’s Trade Skills Centre is set to start soon and principal Melissa Brown believes it will assist some students stay at school longer.
“Often kids don’t know what they want to do with so many different colleges,” she said.
Mrs Brown met with federal member for Calare John Cobb yesterday to reaffirm the looming project.
Funding for the centre was originally approved in principal under last year’s Labor government and Mr Cobb said the Abbott government will also back the $1.188 million centre.
Courses at the centre have been closely formulated with industry bodies as well as TAFE Western Orange, with study available for students in Year 9 and up.
Students have the chance to obtain certificates in hospitality and construction while completing their higher school certificate.
Mrs Brown said she hopes more students will chose to remain at school if they have the ability to obtain a recognised workplace qualification.
“It’s for children that are really disconnected with school,” she said.
“They actually do the VET course and a basic level of English and maths.”
Mr Cobb agreed and said the centre gives every student a chance, even if they don’t want to complete Year 12.
Thinking long-term, Mrs Brown said the centre will also give community groups such as the men’s shed an opportunity to operate courses as well as offer training to students from other schools. It will also give students who take a gap year before university the chance to gain some ‘real world skills’.
Mrs Brown said the school anticipates construction to be complete by September 2014 with classes to start in 2015.
“Children and their parents need to know and kids need to plan,” she said.
nadine.morton@
fairfaxmedia.com.au