Wollondilly students are learning the hot and cold of hospitality through a new trades skills centre being officially opened tomorrow (Tuesday 28 July) at Wollondilly Anglican College at Tahmoor.

The Wollondilly Anglican College Trades Skills Centre has two classes of senior students already enrolled in Certificate II Kitchen Operations.

The centre, which was built with a $1,201,000 contribution from the Australian Government, will be officially opened on Tuesday by Member for Hume Angus Taylor, on behalf of Prime Minister Tony Abbott and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Education and Training, Senator Scott Ryan.

Following the opening, Mr Taylor will join television chef Ed Halmagyi (aka “Fast Ed”) and Year 11 students, in a masterclass in making soufflé.

The centre incorporates a commercial kitchen, large dry store, cool room and freezer, a large teaching and function room, two theory classrooms, an alfresco area, office space, and staff and student amenities.

“The Australian Government is committed to ensuring vocational training meets the needs of industry and employers and to providing students with training in areas where there are skills shortages,” Senator Ryan said.

Mr Taylor said the expected outcomes from the new trades centre – more Wollondilly school leavers into hospitality jobs - would be the proof in the pudding.

“The new facilities at Wollondilly Anglican College Trades Skills Centre will give students the best chance to learn workplace skills. I already know local businesses in Tahmoor are excited about this opportunity. Skills training at secondary school provides students the chance to pursue further training after school or to enter the workplace. I congratulate the entire school community for its foresight and cooperation in getting this centre up and running,” Mr Taylor said.

Wollondilly Anglican College headmaster Dr Stuart Quarmby said there was strong community endorsement for the centre. “The prospect of having kids fresh out of college, having already been trained for front-of-house and kitchen cooking is, excuse the pun, mouth-watering for local business.”