From left, Hillcrest Christian College principal Doctor Daniel Pampuch, teacher Deb Lovett and La Trobe MP Laura Smyth at the site of the school’s new trade training centre for equine studies.By Bridget Cook
LOCAL students will have the chance to gallop ahead in Equine Studies thanks to an Australian Government funding boost.
The Federal Government recently announced a $1.5 million trade training centre for Hillcrest Christian College, Clyde North.
The centre will provide students the opportunity to complete tertiary education in Certificate II and III in Equine Studies at the school, updating the schools existing equine program.
Hillcrest Christian College principal Doctor Daniel Pampuch said the new facility would ensure highly trained students are able to enter directly into the equine industry or continue with further studies.
“The equine industry is a major employer in Victoria and in particular, the South-East,” he said.
“The Hillcrest Christian College Equestrian facility caters for both Hillcrest students and students from approximately 60 other schools across the South East.”
La Trobe MP Laura Smyth said she couldn’t be more pleased with the announcement of a trade training centre in the Casey area.
“Today’s announcement will give skills and future employment opportunities to young people right across the area from Clyde up into Officer, Berwick, Beaconsfield and all around the south eastern suburbs,” she said.
“I’m committed to ensuring local students can get the skills they need to succeed in tomorrow’s workforce.
“This is fantastic news for local secondary students, who will have access to modern training facilities and will be able to acquire the skills they need for a trades career.”
Ms Smyth said the facility would be a great boost for local students.
“A student leaving school before finishing Year 11 will earn around 20 per cent below average earnings,” she said.
“Too many school leavers are falling through the cracks and are not successfully making the move to further study or work.
“Going to university may suit some students, but it’s not for everyone. This investment is giving students in La Trobe more choice to find a career that suits them and will help businesses to employ staff with the latest skills.”
This investment is part of $1.2 billion already provided by the Australian Government for more than 370 trade training centres nationally.
Further information about this initiative is available at www.tradetrainingcentres.deewr.gov.au.
