Chris Hayes (Fowler, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

Last week I had the opportunity with the Minister for School Education, Early Childhood and Youth, Peter Garrett, to attend the opening of the trades training centre at Bonnyrigg High School. We were warmly welcomed by the school principal, Michael Bryce, the school captains, and SRC representatives as well as a number of other students. We enjoyed the food prepared by the year 11 and 12 hospitality classes.

The Bonnyrigg Trade Training Centre represents a $1.5 million investment by the Gillard Labor government as part of the Education Revolution. It is part of a number of initiatives designed to deliver quality education to Australian schools and to build a qualified, well-trained workforce for the future.

As a traditional strong supporter of vocational education and the trades, I am particularly happy that a trades training centre is being opened in my electorate. The centre in Bonnyrigg will give local secondary students access to industry-standard trades training facilities, which will assist them in the future.

The availability of adequate facilities that provide pathways is welcomed in my community.

See this speech in context