FIVE Bathurst schools will share in almost $7 million in funding to build or upgrade training facilities.
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St Stanislaus’ College, MacKillop College, the Bathurst and Kelso campuses of Denison College and Carenne School are among the 336 schools to win funding in the second phase of the Federal Government’s Trade Training Centres in Schools program.
St Stanislaus’ and MacKillop colleges – along with St Joseph’s Central School at Portland – make up the Bathurst and Regional Catholic Schools Trade Training Centre and have applied for up to $3.226 million.
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And Bathurst, Kelso and Carenne are seeking combined funding of for up to $3.729 million as the umbrella Denison Trade Training Centre.
The final funding figures will be subject to final contract negotiations.
Carenne Public School principal Dr Lynette Duncan yesterday said she was elated to hear the news.
“This means all of the energy that was going into programs that have been planned and prepared for so long can now come into fruition,” Dr Duncan said.
“It was an outstanding piece of news and we will work together with the two other schools [Kelso and Bathurst High]. This smile will be on my face for a long time.”
Funding for Carenne School will go towards primary industries, agriculture and Riding for the Disabled programs.
St Stanislaus’ College principal John Edwards was just as excited to hear about the funding.
“This is a really significant grant from the Commonwealth,” Mr Edwards said.
“We are also the only independent schools in NSW to get our projects approved for funding so it is an incredible benefit to Bathurst.”
The money will be used to build a small industrial complex (including an Automotive, Construction and Metals workshop) on the grounds.
Education Minister Julia Gillard announced the second phase of the program yesterday, saying secondary schools could apply for funding to build new trade or vocational education and training facilities or upgrade existing ones.
“It’s good news for the schools around the country that are benefiting from it,” Ms Gillard said.
“It’s good news for local tradespeople as well because all of this new investment supports local jobs, local construction companies - local workers who will come and build these new facilities.”
Member for Macquarie Bob Debus said the program aimed to equip young people with the skills they need to effectively participate in the workforce of tomorrow.
“It addresses skill shortages in traditional trades and emerging industries by ensuring Australian students have access to high-quality relevant education and training opportunities that engage and encourage them to complete their studies,” Mr Debus said.
“The Australian Government is increasing opportunities for young people in partnership with the states and territories and the non-government school sectors.”
