The Marian College Trade Training Centre is offering local secondary students qualifications in food processing and manufacturing.

Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Education, Senator the Hon Scott Ryan said Australian Government funding of $1 million helped bring the centre to fruition.

"The food processing and manufacturing skills to be imparted at the centre are currently in short supply," Senator Ryan said.

"The facilities include an existing facility that has been refurbished to include a laboratory skills workshop and high quality equipment."

The centre was officially opened last Friday by Member for Wannon Dan Tehan, representing Senator Ryan.

"The entire school community and other individuals came together in a spirit of cooperation," Mr Tehan said.

"They thought about Ararat's future needs, worked out what was best for the young people of the area, and devised a plan that makes a tangible difference."

Mr Tehan said the Marian College Trade Training Centre was an example of the local community putting students first - an approach also being followed by the Australian Government in regard to school education generally.

"In the 2014 school year and beyond, the Government will build an education system that gives all students - no matter where they live and what school they attend - the tools to succeed in their chosen field of endeavour," Mr Tehan said.

The Government is concentrating on four main areas of reform: creating a more robust and balanced curriculum; improving teacher quality; increasing school autonomy; and better engaging parents in education.

"The ultimate purpose of these reforms is to foster a smart, skilled Australian workforce so that our country can remain productive, competitive and admired around the world," Mr Tehan said.