Marist trade training centre opens

Published: 4 September 2011

Trade boost: Marist College Ashgrove's new trade training centre is named after Peter Murdoch, pictured with Marist teacher Peter McIntosh and some of the students who will use the new facility

MARIST College Ashgrove has become the second Queensland Catholic school to open a Federally-funded trade training centre.

The centre was one of three Catholic school projects funded in 2008 during the first round of Trade Training Centres in Schools grants under the Federal Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations.

With the $760,000 Federal funding a portion of the existing Marist College's industrial technology area was refurbished, a covered outdoor practical area built and construction equipment purchased.

The centre is expected to deliver several Certificate III qualifications in the construction industry, including carpentry.

The college's head of technology Craig Robinson said the Marist students were always highly sought after by employers.

"The feedback we get from our industry partners is fantastic especially in the way (the students) have been prepared," he said.

"We are what is called a doorway-to-construction school.
We are linked with Con-struction Skills Queensland."
Mr Robinson said there were 40 students utilising the benefits of the new centre, which is named after a long-standing staff member who worked at the college from 1973-94.

The Peter "Chippa" Murdoch Workshop was opened on July 14.
Other Queensland Catholic schools to receive first-round funding included Assisi College, Upper Coomera, who opened its hospitality centre in April and St Edmund's College, Ipswich, who opened its construction and automotive facility at the end of 2010.

Meanwhile, the college recently opened its new science centre, named in honour of Marist Brother Alexis Turton, a member of staff from 1964-76, and Head of School from 1971-76.

The Brother Alexis Turton Science Centre features six senior school and two junior school laboratories and includes three junior school teaching rooms.

College chaplain Marist Father Pius Jones blessed the centre that will be used for the study of biology, chemistry and physics.

Headmaster Peter McLoughlin said the new laboratories were equipped with the latest technology.

"As well as the laboratories, the centre's custom-built learning spaces and greenhouse provide both the practical facilities and the creative atmosphere to optimise learning," he said.

"These facilities are a world away from traditional classrooms and facilitate seamless transitions from theoretical learning to practical application.

"The centre not only delivers the best possible learning facilities and resources, but also inspires curiosity and creativity in learning."