School principal Kerry Hutton said the centre was funded under

the previous federal Labor government and had been a long time coming. 

“The main building was built over a six-month period but it was the fitting out (that took time),” he said.

“I have done a lot of building work as a principal at various schools in various states, but this was quite complex because of all of the safety issues, all of the OHS (occupational health and safety) issues. The safety aspect is huge and so it should be,” he said. 

“Students can start working on their trades much earlier. 

“Previously, if someone wanted to go into engineering or sheet metal, they would go through to year 12 then they go on to TAFE or a private provider of study. 

“Whereas now, when they exit here, they will have Certificate II done here and are going on to Certificate III, which is really getting up there.”

Mr Hutton said the school was part of the VETis cluster group, which meant the facility would be open to students from other schools as well.

“I am just really keen for students right across Ballarat to take advantage,” he said.

matthew.dixon@fairfaxmedia.com.au