The $6.4 million Outer Northern Trade Training Centre officially opened last week at the old Peter Lalor Secondary College site in Lalor, but it has already trained many students since it opened early this year.
Harry Jenkins, the federal member for Scullin, opened the centre that provides training in various industries, including qualifications in automotive and construction, for 15 to 18-year-olds from local secondary colleges.
“Over 140 students have trained at this facility since it opened at the start of this school year,” he said.
“These students have come from a range of schools across the region, some from as far as Diamond Creek.
“The students, no matter what their ability, are now engaged and rewarded during their secondary schooling. This trades centre is helping them meet their aspirations.”
Mr Jenkins said the centre helped solve skill shortages in such trades as carpentry and motor mechanics. The centre has an automotive workshop, two construction workshops, five theory rooms, three storerooms, two covered outdoor work areas, a machine room and equipment.
Mr Jenkins said the schools running the centre were headed by Peter Lalor Vocational College and included Epping Secondary College, Lalor North Secondary College, The Lakes South Morang School, Mill Park Secondary College, Thomastown Secondary College, William Ruthven Secondary College and Lalor Secondary College.
“The breadth of the old Peter Lalor Secondary College site is now a wonderful education hub, which now includes the Peter Lalor Vocational College, Peter Lalor Trade Training Centre and the recently completed Merriang Special Developmental Schools’ secondary campus,” Mr Jenkins said.
