The official opening of the Central West Adaptive Skills Hub took place last week, which is the first step in Lithgow’s Emerging Economy Plan (LEEP) that is supported by an $830,000 grant from the Australian Federal Government, Department of Employment and Workplace Relations’ Local Jobs National Priority Fund.
“The Central West Adaptive Skills Hub will play a critical role in accelerating the adaptive capacity of the region’s workforce by supporting the delivery of essential STEAM skills directly to local schools. Projects such as this provide a safety net for transitioning coal communities, providing the students of today with the education and skills training they need in order to be a job-ready workforce for the future,” remarked Honourable Deborah O’Neill, Federal Senator for NSW.
The Central West Adaptive Skills Hub pilot program will provide specialist STEAM education opportunities to Lithgow’s primary and secondary school students, plus industry-aligned training to local workers for the jobs of the future that require science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM).
“The Central West Adaptive Skills Hub shows Lithgow City Council is actively delivering real, long-lasting benefits for our community – in particular, educational programs for our emerging workforce, plus workforce development for the existing workers to prepare them for future employment opportunities. I am excited that Lithgow is able to offer this unique educational opportunity and I look forward to seeing members of the community exploring this innovative space and embracing the free learning opportunities it will bring,” said Mayor of Lithgow, Cassandra Coleman.
The Central West Adaptive Skills Hub in Mort Street, Lithgow is a new dynamic learning facility, laboratory and technical ‘making space’ for delivering specialist school student learning and micro-credentialing courses for workers across the Lithgow region.
Local high school principals Foty Loupos – Lithgow High School, Matthew Quirk – Portland Central School, and Glenn Carpenter – La Salle all spoke of how this new facility will ensure students receive the education they need for the future, a sentiment echoed by Federal member for Calare Andrew Gee.
“Through the Central West Adaptive Skills Hub, local families can rest assured that their kids will have the educational opportunities they need in order to thrive in the workplaces of the future. It’s all about skills, skills, skills and jobs, jobs, jobs and equipping our young people with all they need to build the bright future of Lithgow,” said Mr Gee.
To find out more about the Central West Adaptive Skills Hub, visit www.leep.lithgow.com/adaptiveskillshub
