Mr Broad was joined by school captains Anna Knights and Callum Rickard at the opening.

The $2.76-million Central Grampians Trade Training Centre will benefit students at Stawell, Ararat, Lake Bolac and Marian secondary colleges.

Stawell Secondary College teacher Anthony Taylor said the trade training centre included a commercial kitchen in Ararat, as well as a panel and paint workshop at Stawell.

“We are part of a Vocational Education and Training cluster that takes in four senior colleges,” he said.

“This centre has been developed to help fill areas in the workforce where there is a perceived shortage of skilled tradespeople.”

Mr Taylor said up to 16 students could enrol in a panel and paint course at Stawell from 2016.

He said students studying product design and automotive subjects would also use the new centre.  

“We’re expecting a full class in our panel and paint course from the start of next year,” he said.

“While this is a specialist building, we believe it can still serve multiple purposes.”

Mr Broad said the federal government had a commitment to young people living in regional areas to ensure positive outcomes through education and training opportunities.   

“Providing young people in our region with education and vocational training opportunities that can lead to careers is vital to the sustainability of our towns,” he said.

“The Australian government is committed to ensuring vocational training meets industry standards and that it provides training in sectors where there are skills shortages.

“The new trade training centre will address both these things.

“It will leave its students well placed to find employment beyond the classroom.

“Learning a trade can be the key to finding a job in a number of diverse industries. 

“I congratulate the entire school community for its foresight and co-operation in making the Central Grampians Trade Training Centre a reality.”