The Minister also turned the first sod to mark the start of construction of the new $5 million Trade Training Centre (TTC) based at the College, which will train students from the Bankstown area in a range of vocational skills.
“It was fantastic to be part of the discussions today and hear the views of local principals about issues and challenges they deal with, as well as the many successes and achievements of schools in the Bankstown area,” Mr Garrett said.
‘I was also pleased to be able to officially start the construction of the new training centre, which will be a huge asset to the school community both at LaSalle College and the other local schools who will be using the new facility.
“This is an exciting program, which will help schools in Bankstown and across the country provide new training and educational opportunities to their students, equipping them with the practical skills they need to help them pursue vocation once they leave high school.
“The Gillard Government is committed to making every school a great school, and in our recent budget we announced a further $876.5 million for rewarding top teachers, improving support for students with disabilities and providing vocational education training opportunities.”
The Government has invested an unprecedented $64.9 billion over four years in education, almost doubling school funding since 2007, Mr Garrett said.
Mr Clare said the construction of the LaSalle College TTC would also train students from Casimir Catholic College, Holy Spirit College and Trinity Catholic College.
“This will be a great facility for our local area; it will give young people in Bankstown the best start in life.
“A lot of young people in Bankstown want to get a trade when they finish school. This Trade Training Centre will allow them to start learning a trade while they are still at high school,” Mr Clare said.
The centre will deliver a range of training to address skills shortages in the traditional trades of carpentry, electrician, metal fabricator, metal fitter and motor mechanic.
Trade Training Centres will increase the number of students achieving Year 12 or an equivalent qualification, and help meet skill shortages in trades and emerging industries.
The Australian Government has awarded more than $1 billion to fund 288 projects benefiting over 900 schools across Australia through the Trade Training Centres in Schools Program.
Further information about the LaSalle Catholic Trade Training Centre Bankstown and all schools funded under the Program is available at www.tradetrainingcentres.deewr.gov.au
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