Hillcrest Christian College was announced in January as the site of one of two trade training centres in Melbourne's south-east to be set up by the federal government.

The centre, which will receive up to $1.5million of government funding, will upgrade the Soldiers Road school's existing equestrian program and provide certificate II and III qualifications in equine studies.

Hillcrest principal Daniel Pampuch said students from about 60 other schools across Melbourne's south-east were already involved in the college's specialist program of horsemanship and riding skills.

"The equine industry is a major employer in Victoria and in particular the south-east.

"This new facility will ensure highly trained students are able to enter directly into the industry or continue with further studies."

Work on the centre is expected to start at the beginning of term 2 and finished by the end of the year.

La Trobe federal member Laura Smyth said local students would have access to a modern training centre. "It will give skills and future employment opportunities to young people right across the area from Clyde up into Officer, Berwick, Beaconsfield and all around the south-eastern suburbs."

She said someone who left school before finishing year 11 would earn about 20 per cent below average earnings.

"Too many school leavers are falling through the cracks and are not successfully making the move to further study or work.

"Going to university may suit some students, but it's not for everyone.

"This investment is giving students in La Trobe more choice to find a career that suits them and will help businesses to employ staff with the latest skills."

Another trade training centre will be set up at Belgrave Heights Secondary College to provide certificate level training in hospitality.

More than 370 centres have been established across Australia since the start of the trade training centres in schools program.