School captains Matilda Waser, Miley Driscoll, Olivia Thompson and Savannah Kernaghan with Senator for Victoria Jana Stewart.
Photo by
Abby Green
A new trades centre empowering regional students with hands-on learning and practical skills has opened at Cobram Anglican Grammar School.
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The school held a ceremony on Wednesday, April 29, with Senator for Victoria Jana Stewart officially opening the trades centre.
“It is genuinely exciting to be here,” she said in her speech.
“This is one of the reasons that I love being in the job that I’m in because you get to see the delivery of places like this that make a real difference for people in regional communities.
Senator for Victoria Jana Stewart officially opening the new trades centre with a congratulatory speech.
Photo by
Abby Green
“While it might sound straightforward, getting a project like this from an idea to the ribbon cutting or the unveiling of a plaque, takes years of planning, persistence and a school community that refuses to give up.
“The Federal Government was absolutely proud to contribute $1.9 million through the capital grants program to a project that ultimately costs over $3 million, and that is no small feat by any means for the school community to raise the rest of the funds.
“Not every student finds their path in a traditional classroom, and for many it’s in a space exactly like this one, where they find that path, hands on, sleeves rolled up, solving real problems that are put in front of them.
Students Charli Blackie and Chase Bouchier performing at the grand opening of the trades centre.
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Supplied
“They are exactly what Australia needs right now, the electricians, mechanics, fabricators and builders, these are the people who will help deliver a future made in Australia.”
School principal Keith Willett said the equipment and technology in the centre was “unbelievable”.
“We have cutting-edge, contemporary quality, industrial standard equipment,” he said.
“Young people can go down there and engage in automotive mechanics, metalwork, welding, steel fabrication, woodworking skills...
“There’s a car hoist, laser cutters, drills, about three different types of welders, all sorts of different tools.
Technology teacher Anthony McConnell and Senator for Victoria Jana Stewart inspect the equipment at the new trades centre.
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Supplied
Mr Willett said students would have a chance to delve into robotic technology and there was also a drones program that led to a certificate in aviation.
“There’s no doubt in my mind that our trade centre is a very significant addition to the educational landscape, not just of Cobram, but the wider region,” he said.
“We implemented the VCE Vocational Major in our curriculum two years ago, and the addition of this centre gives us a facility where all that hands-on learning and practical skills can be developed.”
Mr Willett said the school was “very grateful” to have secured federal funding and planned to expand access to the trade centre to all year levels once operations were fully established.
AngliSchools chief operating officer Ivan McLean, Senator for Victoria Jana Stewart and school principal Keith Willett with the commemorative plaque for the trades centre.
Photo by
Abby Green
Cobram Anglican Grammar School Year 6 student Lewis Diaco said he enjoyed building projects with his grandfather and was currently planning to make a dog house and a toy box.
He said he was “excited” about the trade centre opening and was looking forward to using the IT equipment and laser cutters.
Ms Stewart said the new trades centre was “brilliant and exciting”.
“I think that the Cobram Anglican Grammar School is doing an excellent job, and you can see that shine through their students,” she said.
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