$1.5m to turn CHS into training centre
Wednesday March 18, 2009
Cobar High School teacher Don Heather, deputy principal Sue Francisco, principal
Peter Cochrane and TAS head teacher Shane Carter inspecting plans for a new
state-of-the-art training centre to be built at the school. ▪ Photo contributed
Cobar High School will soon be able to boast state-of-the-art, industry standard metal work and hospitality training facilities thanks to a $1.5 million government grant.
CHS principal Peter Cochrane announced last week that the school had been successful in applying for the grant under the federal government’s Trades Training Centres in Schools program.
“The OutWest Consortium (Cobar HS and Nyngan HS) were successful in our application.
“For CHS, this means almost $1.5 million in infrastructure.
“There will be extension and refurbishment of the Metals and Food Technology/Hospitality facilities, making them industry standard, state-of-the-art facilities,” Mr Cochrane said.
Although works on the facilities may still be more than 18 months away, Mr Cochrane said it will allow students to complete up to Certificate III in the metal and hospitality subjects.
“The hospitality facilities will include mock hotel and restaurant facilities,” Mr Cochrane said.
The project is part of a funding program aimed at addressing shortages in traditional trades and emerging industries.
The federal funding program offered $335 million, with $93.9 million given out in NSW.
Secondary schools were eligible to apply for funding of up to $1.5 million to upgrade or construct new existing trade or vocational education and training facilities.
NSW premier Nathan Rees welcomed the announcement of the funding, saying the state will work with the federal government to provide ongoing funding for the facilities.
“Working with the Commonwealth, we can produce more job-ready graduates so when they finish school they have the skills and knowledge to kick-start a career in a trade.
“In these difficult financial times we need to provide our young people with the best education possible to help them secure a good job,” Mr Rees said.
Federal Member for Calare John Cobb has welcomed the funding, with more
than $18 million to be spent in his electorate to build trade training centres in high schools.
“I am very pleased to see the Rudd Labor Government fulfil the needs of rural NSW students, who will be given the ability to learn skills which will be relevant to the skills needs in their areas.
He said the 17 schools (including
CHS) which joined together to form six separate consortiums to apply for the funding showed “foresight” in developing the plans.
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