State-of-the-art equine facilities will be brought to Glenormiston College under a $1 million state government pledge.
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Students in South West TAFE’s track riding course will benefit from the funding spend announced this week.
South West TAFE chief executive officer Mark Fidge said it was hoped work could begin within a month.
“This is an exciting announcement for the industry and the region,” he said.
“It will incorporate an upgrade of some of the facilities at Glenormiston that will make them state-of-the-art.
“There’s an equine pavilion that needs an upgrade and the stables for keeping horses as well.
“It will also help with relevant equipment like mechanical horses and gym equipment to help with the physical side of the training, as well as course materials and other elements.”
The track riding course got up and running in March and, while Mr Fidge was unable to say how many students were currently enrolled, he said the program had developed strong links with the industry.
“It’s an important training program because it provides not just training for racing, but also the health and safety aspects as well,” he said.
“We’re working closely with the local racing industry to support them.”
Glenormiston College hosts the theory and some practical aspects of the course, while students also get a taste of life on the track through agreements with racing clubs such as Camperdown and Terang.
Minister for Training and Skills Gayle Tierney said Friday’s announcement also included $240,000 for the Certificate III in Agriculture course.
“These courses are an important example the opportunities we can create at TAFE when industry, training providers and community work together,” Ms Tierney said.
Agriculture Minister Jaala Pulford said Glenormiston was again becoming an important centre for agricultural training.
"We are so happy to have been able to breathe life back into this site,” she said.