In collaboration with TAFE SA, ETSA Utilities and the Pichi Richi Railway Preservation Society the Federal Government funding will be shared across a consortium of local schools.

Along with Port Augusta Secondary School the consortium - labelled the Pichi Richi Trade Training Centre consortium - involves Quorn Area School, Booleroo Centre District School, Hawker Area School, Leigh Creek Area School and Orroroo Area School.

Secondary students will have access to shared vocational studies and will include for the first time - access to school-based Certificate 3 training. School-based apprenticeships will also be promoted.

As part of the funding, a $1.7 million trade-training centre will be built at Port Augusta Secondary site – the largest project across the consortium - and will compliment the school’s co-location.

It will specialise in electro technology, automotive and construction vocational programs.

Other sites will see the development and refurbishment of existing infrastructure and equipment to meet industry standards.

Other options available in the region include commercial cookery, rural industries, civil construction, engineering and rail construction.

Schools will share facilities and specialist teachers are expected to work across campuses.

Port Augusta Secondary School principal Paul Billows said the new trade training studies aim to keep students engaged in school longer.

“It’s going to see the development of new meaningful pathways for students,” he said.

“What we want is for these option to increase their employability.”

“It’s an opportunity for students in the region to access greater options locally,” principal of Quorn Area School Denise Lane agreed.

“The collaboration between school and industry is really important,” she added.

Courses will be offered during pilot projects over 2010, before being fully delivered with the completion of infrastructure, expected by 2011.

A management council and governing council will be created to help schools work collaboratively in providing the curriculum.

President of the Pichi Richi Railway Preservation Society Geoff Annear said industry partners are was also looking forward to partnership.

“Members look forward to building on the strong association established over the last 10 year with Quorn Area School and with other schools in the region,” he said.