WIDE BAY TAFE’S HERVEY BAY SENIOR COLLEGE OFFICIALLY OPENED

A $2 million capital works project has been completed at Wide Bay Institute of TAFE’s Hervey Bay Senior College campus, allowing all classes to operate out of one modern facility.

Education and Training Minister Rod Welford officially opened the new facilities today.

Mr Welford said the Beattie Government had invested $1.2 million to ensure the college remained a first-rate destination for students looking for pathways to employment or further study.

“Our Government is committed to making sure all young Queenslanders are either learning or earning and that’s why we’ve provided this new facility at the Hervey Bay Senior College,” Mr Welford said.

“The project included construction of a new building – W Block – and refurbishment of existing facilities at the college.

“The new building houses the language centre, the fashion and sewing centre and theory classrooms, catering for 176 staff and students - including a large cohort of international students.

“Blocks A, C, E and F were refurbished to provide more teaching spaces, improved technology and learning equipment, air-conditioning and updated fire prevention methods.

“This project has allowed the Hervey Bay campus to offer all classes at one modern facility.

“Traditional subjects like maths and English are being taught alongside specialist studies like fashion, Adult Migrant English and the Silkeborg Higher Technical Examination Program for Danish exchange students.”

The Federal Government also contributed funding of $800,000 to the project, taking the total investment to $2 million.

Mr Welford said the upgrades would further cement the institute’s position as a valuable resource for the Wide Bay region, in helping to meet the need for more skilled local workers.

“For more than 20 years the Hervey Bay Senior College has provided Year 10 graduates with alternative avenues to complete Year 12, to pursue university entrance, or study subjects leading to a prevocational certificate with credits towards an apprenticeship,” he said.

“When the college opened in 1986, it offered six courses to around 300 students. Now the campus offers 128 programs to around 3000 students—10 times the original number.

“The college’s flexible approach to training and education, such as negotiated assessments and a learning environment based on mutual respect, also supports the Government’s Education and Training Reforms for the Future to ensure young people continue their learning journey.”

Media contact: Emma Clarey on 32371000 or 0417 791 336