MAROOCHYDORE STUDENTS GET FIRST CLASS TECHNOLOGY TRAINING

A new $2.73 million Industrial Arts and Technology building is giving Maroochydore State High School students the opportunity to learn robotics and computer-aided drafting.

Minister for Education and Training, Rod Welford, who officially opened the complex today, said it was a significant addition to the school.

“These facilities represent a milestone in the development of Maroochydore State High School as a leader in bridging the gap between school, work and further study,” Mr Welford said.

“In addition to the computer-aided drafting and robotics-systems laboratory, the new complex includes research and development rooms, a furnishing workshop and graphics spaces.

“Maroochydore State High School has a proven commitment to providing programs and support to students for continued learning or earning beyond secondary school.

“The school was the first in south-east Queensland to commit to the ‘No Dole’ program in 2004, and since then about 900 students have signed the No Dole pledge.

“The Year 10 students who sign a No Dole pledge make a commitment to aim towards entering the workforce, future training or higher education.

“The school’s successful introduction of the program was recognised with a regional win in Education Queensland’s 2006 Showcase awards in the senior phase of learning category.”

Mr Welford said the new complex would allow the school to continue to help its Year 10 students to make positive decisions about their future work and study options.

The new building and the refurbished manual arts building will cater for students studying Industrial Technology and Design and Graphics.

The Beattie Government contributed more than $1.8 million towards the project to provide the most up-to-date facilities in industrial arts and technology education.

The Federal Government’s contribution was $900,000.

Media contact: Marnie Stitz on 3237 1000 or 0419 734 985