The Industry Training Hub - opened this month - formed part of a $50.6 million Federal Government investment targeted at Year 11 and 12 students in regional areas with high youth unemployment.
Shepparton is the only regional centre in Victoria to have secured a site.
Federal Member for Nicholls Damian Drum said the Shepparton training hub would be managed by full-time career facilitator Kristen Elliott, who would assist students in developing skills for jobs with the best employment prospects in the region.
“Ms Elliott will engage with local employers who are experiencing difficulty finding people with the right skills they need for their business or organisation, and in turn, advise senior high school students of skill shortages,” he said.
“This is all about building a strong workforce that meets the industry needs of our region.”
Education, Skills and Employment Minister Michaelia Cash said MEGT had been awarded the contract for Shepparton and surrounding areas.
“Young people can face longer periods of unemployment than other age groups, and in regional areas they are particularly at risk of falling into long-term welfare dependency,” she said.
“By focusing on vocational education and training, people on the cusp of their adult working lives in these regions will develop the skillset and confidence they need to embark on a fulfilling career with long-term prospects.”
The opening of the Shepparton branch follows two hubs already operating in Burnie and Townsville.
Future hubs are planned for Grafton and Gosford in New South Wales, Wanneroo and Armadale in Western Australia and Alice Springs in the Northern Territory.
For more information, contact Kristen Elliott on 0437 918 399.
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