Federal Member for Hume Angus Taylor has today officially opened the Hennessy Trade Skills Centre and multi-purpose hall at Hennessy Catholic College in Young.

“It is outstanding that Hennessy Catholic College and the broader community are coming together to officially open the Hennessy Trade Skills Centre. Thanks to $1.43 million under the Federal Trade Training Centres in Schools Program, this hospitality training facility has been up and running this year.  And of course the impressive multi-purpose hall at the college was completed with a contribution of $2.02 million under the Federal Capital Grants Programme.

“The Hennessy Trade Skills Centre is a first-class facility for students and staff. Through this dedicated centre, Hennessy College will be doing its bit to fill the skills gaps and recruitment issues we know are there in many communities,” Mr Taylor said.

“Research from the Department of Employment shows that only slightly more than 50 per cent of positions in the food trades were being filled in 2013. This is why matching training to what employers actually need is so crucial.”

In a ceremony in St Mary’s church in Young earlier today, Mr Taylor told students the Skills Centre would be a launch-pad.

“After school, you may want to continue your training by undertaking a further certificate or diploma course, an apprenticeship or a traineeship. Ultimately I hope the skills you learn here will lead you to a good job where you can earn an income to do the things you want to do.”

Speaking via a video link to school students assembled in the hall, Mr Taylor congratulated the school on its new multi-purpose hall. “Well, the name says it all.  Many school assemblies, graduation rehearsals, sport training sessions and PE classes will be held here and will bring the community together. Present and future students will reap enormous benefit from these new facilities.”

Caption: Following a ceremony in St Mary’s church, Archbishop Christopher Prowse (centre) performed a blessing on the new buildings opened today at Hennessy Catholic College, joined (from left) by Hennessy Catholic College principal Chris Browne, Catholic Education Office - Canberra and Goulburn Diocese - director Moira Najdecki, teacher Phil Mitchell and Federal Member for Hume Angus Taylor who officially opened the buildings. Photo courtesy of the Young Witness.