$4 million boost for traditional trades in Alice Springs

Charles Darwin University’s trades training facility in Alice Springs will be upgraded and expanded following a $4 million funding announcement yesterday.

The funds will allow for the construction of a trades training centre for school students undertaking vocational training in the traditional trades.

Traditional trades continue to be an identified skill shortage in Central Australia, particularly in the areas of plumbing, metal work and diesel automotive.

CDU’s Director Central Australia Paul Fitzsimons said it was important that students were afforded the opportunity to acquire skills in traditional trades while they were still at school.

“They are skills that will set them up for lifelong careers in areas where there is always high demand,” Mr Fitzsimons said.

The announcement was made by Member for Lingiari Warren Snowdon at Alice Springs campus. It follows a submission from Catholic Education and other private educators in Alice Springs.

“We are delighted that Government has approved the submission and look forward to continuing the mutually beneficial relationship that we have enjoyed with the private education sector in Alice Springs over many years,” Mr Fitzsimons said.

The new facility has been earmarked for construction on the southern portion of the campus between the trades training block and the nearby Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Catholic College campus.

The funding is part of a national initiative to offer students opportunities in 137 new trade training centres across Australia.