Cobram Anglican Grammar School will commence building a state-of-the-art trade centre this year to give students the best opportunity to be trade-ready upon finishing school.
The centre will include open working areas for senior school robotics, car mechanics, metalwork and timberwork classes.
The Trades Centre will incorporate cutting-edge best practice equipment, such as laser cutters, welders, KUKA robotics, CNC machines, drones, a water jet cutter, a 3D printer and a car hoist.
Much of the machinery will require students to learn coding to operate, therefore adding another skill they can use in their post-schooling life.
The new centre will also be equipped with classrooms for theory work.
CAGS principal Keith Willett believes the new Trades Centre will benefit the Sschool’s students and the local community.
“Having a trades facility of this quality on our school site will undoubtedly broaden career choices for students in our region,” he said.
“Having skilled tradespeople is critical in a rural region such as ours, so we are naturally delighted to be able to provide a facility where young people will have the opportunity to develop these important skills, hopefully leading to a career in something they feel passionately about.”
CAGS Careers Co-ordinator Jade Drew believes the Trades Centre will be an excellent resource for the school’s growing pathways program.
“As the careers co-ordinator at CAGS, I’m thrilled about the development of our Trades Centre,” Ms Drew said.
“It’s not just about creating opportunities; it’s about empowering our students with the practical skills and experiences they need to thrive in the workforce.”
The new facility is planned to be up and running by 2025.
Pictured: CAGS Principal Keith Willett, School Council Chairperson Alex Monk and Business Manager Narelle Schreenan with the ASC Director of Capital Projects, Franzl Shannon, and ASC Chief Operating Officer, Ivan McLean, following the announcement of the new trades centre.
