State-of-the-art workshops providing valuable training opportunities for students in Logan were officially opened today.
Assistant Minister for Vocational Education and Skills Karen Andrews opened the new facilities as part of the $2.4 million Logan Logistical Trades Skills Centre.
“These fantastic new facilities give students at Woodridge State High School, as well as Browns Plains State High School and Logan City Special School the exciting opportunity of forging a direct pathway from learning a trade in school to beginning a career,” Minister Andrews said.
The centre will enable students to study a Certificate I and Certificate II in Automotive Vocational Preparations, as well as a Certificate I in Transport and Logistics (Pathways) and Certificate II in Warehousing Operations.
“Students in Logan can start to qualify for a ready-made career in trades like motor mechanics, vehicle painting and vehicle body building, as well as freight handling and warehouse managing. This will help address a local shortage in these important skills,” Minister Andrews said.
The opening of the Logan centre continues an ongoing investment by the Federal Government in trade skills centres.
“As of June, 511 projects benefiting 1,289 schools have been approved. Of those, 503 have been constructed and 498 are operational. These modern facilities harness the combined strengths of the school, local businesses and the broader construction industry,” Minister Andrews said.
The Skilling Australians Fund was announced in the May Budget and will encourage even more young people to consider going down the apprenticeship path.
“The Fund is a commitment of an estimated $1.5 billion over four years and with matched funding from the states and territories will support 300,000 more apprentices, trainees, pre-apprentice and high level apprentices across Australia,” Minister Andrews said.
The Turnbull Government is also investing $60 million in the Industry Specialist Mentoring for Australian Apprentices program to support 47,000 apprentices and trainees see their training through to completion.
“These measures, combined with Trade Skills Centres such as this one, will go a long way to reversing the decline in apprenticeships and traineeships in key areas,” Minister Andrews said.