Under the Federal Government program, schools can apply to build or refurbish trade training facilities and buy industry standard equipment and tools so that school students can begin qualifications and skills required for a trade.

The Desert Trade Training Centre, led by the Roxby Downs Area School, will provide high level nationally accredited training up to Certificate III.

Training offered will include trade studies in engineering, electrotechnology, building and construction, civil construction and automotive repair.

“The opportunity for students across this region to gain trade qualifications whilst completing school is very exciting,” said Juliette Demaine, centre project leader and Eyre Futures partnership broker.

In making the announcement last week, Roxby Downs Area School principal Kath Macalister was passionate about having a proposal drawn up for the three schools.

“This is a great initiative and will provide opportunities for our young people in partnership with TAFE SA, a range of business partners, and notably our major industry partner BHP Billiton Olympic Dam. This is truly community based education,” Mrs Macalister said.

BHP Billiton has agreed on a three-year pledge to partner with the new centre.

Under the agreement, BHP Billiton will provide expertise, guidance and financial support if the proposal is approved by the Federal Government.

The three schools ensured industry was involved in developing the funding proposal.

They consulted on skills shortages and how the increasing demands for trade qualified professionals could be addressed.

The development plan includes refurbishment of technical trade areas at each school, buying industry standard equipment, tools and machinery, and creating an e-learning classroom.

Industry support for the proposal has been out outstanding with the Contractor Framework Implementation Team (CFIT) also dedicating vital support and funds to the submission.

Chris Clark, CFIT executive manager and Sandvik training manager, said a successful submission would have lasting benefits for this region, providing a skilled local workforce into the future. “This will provide students with a constructive pathway to employment and will assist all employers at Olympic Dam.”

The trade training proposal was submitted to the federal Department of Employment, Education and Workplace Relations in June, with an outcome expected to be announced in October or November.