State-of-the-art facilities for McCarthy’s Trade Training Centre

Bishop Anthony blesses the new facility

Bishop Anthony, David Bradbury MP and Greg Whitby unveil the plaque

On Friday 1 April, McCarthy Catholic College, Emu Plains held an opening and blessing ceremony for their new state-of-the-art Trade Training Centre funded under the Australian Government’s Trade Training in Schools Program.

The centre was blessed by Bishop Anthony Fisher OP and officially opened by executive director of schools, Greg Whitby and federal member for Lindsay, David Bradbury MP.

The $8 million centre includes trade workshops for Electrotechnology, Carpentry, Brick and Block Laying, Automotive and Engineering, as well as two hairdressing salons and a commercial kitchen and mobile catering bus for hospitality students.

Each trade includes a learning space for theoretical work.

Our Lady of the Way parish priest, Fr Robert Anderson, officially welcomed the families, students and invited guests and commended the government for its support.

‘Through the trade training centre program, there has been an increase in students staying in school to complete their HSC,’ said Fr Robert. ‘It is also wonderful to see the students’ intelligence, ambition, creativity and talent being expressed through a trade.’

Executive director of schools, Greg Whitby said the Trade Training Centres in Schools Program is a wise investment in young people.

‘This new, extraordinary facility will support the different learning needs of students in today’s world,’ said Greg. ‘What we know now is that all learning is intellectually demanding and requires a specific skill set – that is the basis of our work here.’

McCarthy’s principal, Robyn Meddows congratulated the students taking up the significant challenge of completing a combination of study and work.

‘It’s quite breathtaking to see our young people learn in this new way,’ said Robyn.

Member for Lindsay, David Bradbury MP said the centre would hone the skills needed for a rapidly changing world and economy.

‘The world today needs flexible and versatile skills,’ said Mr Bradbury. ‘I know that the students will have their talents and skills developed and honed here which is needed in our economy today, and into the future.’ 

McCarthy Trade Training Centre provides students in Years 11 and 12 with the opportunity to start a trade while completing the HSC. Students commence the first year of an apprenticeship and study towards a Certificate III qualification in their chosen trade including Automotive, Brick and Block, Carpentry, Engineering, Electrotechnology, Hairdressing and Hospitality.

McCarthy Trade Training Centre received $6 million in funding through the Australian Government’s Trade Training in Schools Program and an additional $2 million funding from Catholic Education Diocese of Parramatta.

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