The large building has been fitted out with more than $300,000 worth of industry standard equipment.

The centre incorporates specialist workshops for automotives, construction and metals and engineering, along with two airconditioned classrooms, amenities areas, a wash bay, outdoor workshop areas and a staff room.

Sustainable building features include the incorporation of a large tank for the capture of stormwater and the installation of a solar hot water system.

Mr Edwards said the school now has three very well-equipped workshops which are highly sought after.

Automotives is being studied in five classes from Years 9 to 12, construction in three classes across Years 11 and 12 and metals and engineering in three Year 11 and 12 classes.

In all 161 students are already regularly using the new trade training centre.

“It’s a splendid program for the education of boys interested in a trade, and beneficial to students who wish to study engineering at university,” Mr Edwards said.

“This centre is a superb well-funded resource directly relevant to the needs of students.

“It’s unbelievable.”

Mr Edwards said he cannot speak highly enough of the federal government’s continued commitment to education.

“This kind of expenditure on education is unmatched in my teaching career,” he said.

“Staff, the students and the community can really see the value of the work being done here and we want to say thank you.”

The head master said the trade training centre will particularly benefit boarding families who have previously had limited opportunities available to them if their sons decide to pursue trade qualifications.

In the past a student from a small country town who wanted to take a trade would have to leave in Year 10, move away and live on very little money.

“Now that same student can continue on at school, get the full benefit of the curriculum while completing Certificate II and make inroads into Certificate III, which is the full trade qualification,” Mr Edwards said.

“The school will now play a significant role in boys getting a trade in construction, metals and engineering and automotives.

“This project represents a bringing together of industry, schools, and the needs of students and staff,” he said.

Mr Edwards also praised the partnership with Skillset saying it will ensure students receive industry standard expertise and assistance linking up with employers.

The new $1.3 million trade training centre at MacKillop College, which features a commercial kitchen and training cafe, was part of the same grant allocation. Students from Stannies who are interested in cooking professionally will have access to that centre, while students from MacKillop will be able to train for a trade using the new facilities at St Stanislaus’ College.

The trade training centre will be opened on Friday by NSW Senator Matt Thistlethwaite.