The opening of the new Hay War Memorial High School Trades Skills Centre will help create pathways for local students into the workforce and on to valued careers.

Member for Farrer Sussan Ley says local students and staff in Hay can now make full use of local trade training facilities developed through an Australian Government funding commitment of $1,000,000.

“It is great to be here today to open the centre and to see these brand new facilities”, Ms Ley said.

“A school-based Trades Skills Centre like this is all about equipping our students with the skills needed to help them obtain the jobs Australia will require in the future.

“There are many cities, communities and regions across the country facing skill shortages in hospitality.

“The training students can receive from a local Skills Centre will not only benefit Hay, they will be
skills which potentially put them on the road to jobs in the hospitality sector anywhere in Australia.”

Ms Ley said the funding enabled an overhaul of an existing kitchen to include a commercial kitchen,
new outdoor covered area for use as a teaching bistro and the provision of new equipment.

“Skills training at secondary school provides the basis for students to pursue further training after school
or to enter the workforce. I congratulate the entire school community for its foresight in getting this centre up and running”, Ms Ley said.

The Minister for Education and Training, Simon Birmingham, also congratulated Hay War Memorial
High School Trades Skills Centre on the official opening.

“As well as delivering increased funding to schools, the Australian Government is focusing on quality education for students. While buildings alone do not make a great school, I hope students and staff will enjoy learning and be inspired by these new facilities,” Minister Birmingham said.