Push for new

A SPECIAL taskforce will lead efforts to secure a TAFE college for Pakenham.
The taskforce will also investigate and plan other education and training pathways for young people throughout Cardinia Shire.
The need for an expanded range of opportunities has long been recognised as a critical issue in the fastgrowing community.
Councillors at their 18 July meeting were told that factors such as limited public transport had compounded the need for drastically improved services in the local area.
The taskforce will comprise representatives from local industry, businesses and schools as well as officials from council, South East Local Learning and Employment Network (SELLEN) and the Department of Education and Training.
Its key focus will be to plan for provision of a TAFE college at the newly created South East Business Park.
As previously reported in the Gazette, Cardinia Shire Council and other groups are lobbying for funding for an Australian Technical College through a Federal Government scheme to set up several new learning centres around the country.
Council’s plan is to also include an annexe at Kooweerup and in other centres.
Cardinia chief executive officer Don Welsh said a TAFE college in Pakenham would provide education options for people who “drop out of the mainstream”.
Councillors were told there had been huge support for a TAFE college in the community.
Cr Leonora Cox said helping young people was a priority for council.
“We have low postcompulsory school retention rates, low year 12 completion rates, limited public transport and lack of education options,” she said.
Councillor Helen Ward said the taskforce would play a vital role in advancing an issue that was incredibly important.
“The demise of the technical school system has had some profound effects on the current generation,” she said.
“Unless something is done, the very serious skill shortage will continue.”
Cr Ward said council must do its best to provide a facility that would meet the needs of young adults now and into the future.
Emerald Ward councillor and former school teacher Graeme Legge was appointed as council’s representative on the taskforce.