State-of-the-art engineering and construction workshops at Nerang State High School were officially opened today and will help put students on the path to a rewarding job and career.
Federal Member for McPherson and Assistant Minister for Vocational Education and Skills Karen Andrews officially opened the new facilities as part of the $2.2 million GC Resource Industries Trades Skills Centre.
“It’s not widely known that around 90 percent of people who gain a trade qualification through the vocational education system go straight into a full-time job,” Minister Andrews said.
“These fantastic new facilities give students at Nerang High the exciting opportunity of forging a direct pathway from learning a trade in school to beginning a career.”
The workshops will enable students to study a Certificate II Engineering Pathways, a Certificate II Furniture Making and Certificate II Resource and Infrastructure.
“Students at Nerang High School can start to qualify for a ready-made career in trades like air conditioning and refrigeration mechanic, cabinet maker, fitter and turner, metal fabricator, metal machinist, pressure welder and welder, and occupations in local demand such as construction estimator, drainer and plumber,” Minister Andrews said.
“In total, 511 projects benefiting 1,289 schools across Australia have been approved. Of those, 501 have been constructed and 489 are operational. These modern facilities harness the combined strengths of the school, local businesses and the broader construction industry,” Minister Andrews said.
“To help support apprentices the Turnbull Government will invest $60 million in the Industry Specialist Mentoring for Australian Apprentices program to help 47,000 apprentices and trainees see their training through to completion.
“Combined with our new $1.5 billion Skilling Australians Fund, starting next month, these measures will go a long way to reversing the decline in apprenticeships and traineeships in key areas.
“The Skilling Australians Fund will create an extra 300,000 apprentices over four year gaining the skills that industry and employers want.
“It will give Australians the opportunity to gain the skills to fill local jobs, rather than business and employers having to rely on overseas trained workers.”
