Federal Member for New England Barnaby Joyce has announced up to $2.5 million has been allocated to construct rural skills trade centres at Inverell, Barraba and Guyra.

 

Mr Joyce said the skill centres would focus on delivering trade qualifications in agriculture, horticulture and engineering.  He said training young people in these industries could assist to address skills shortages in these industries across the New England electorate.

 

The three New England centres are part of $209 million offered by the Federal Government to establish 136 new training centres across Australia.

 

“Despite the difficult budget we inherited from the previous government, it is essential we continue to invest in education to provide the next generation of workers with the skills to contribute to the economy,” Mr Joyce said.

 

“As Agriculture Minister, I am well aware of the skills shortages across rural Australia.  These training centres will keep young people in our communities and give them an opportunity to start a career closer to home.”

 

“I hope these centres will show young people that they do not have to live in the city to have a fulfilling and worthwhile career.”

 

The Projects

 

Barraba Central School, Barraba

Up to $985,000 in funding has been allocated to establish the Barraba Rural Trades Skills Centre.  The Trades Skills Centre will include the construction of a new primary industries facility and equipment.  It will deliver qualifications in agriculture and horticulture, including training young people as shearers.

 

Guyra Central School, Guyra

Up to $834,088 in funding has been allocated to establish the Guyra Community Trades Skills Centre.  The Trades Skills Centre will include the construction of a purpose built facility to incorporate an engineering workshop and equipment.  It will deliver qualifications in engineering, including the trades of fitter and turner and welder (first class).

 

Macintyre High School, Inverell - Trades Skills Centre to be located at Holy Trinity School, Inverell

Up to $661,000 in funding has been allocated to establish the Sapphire Community Primary Industry Trades Skills Centre.  The Trades Skills Centre funding will include the construction of a new learning and training facility to include a theory room, amenities, storage with the provision of open access on 13.99 hectares of agricultural land as well as equipment.  It will deliver trade qualifications in agriculture.