Scottsdale will from next year offer the final two years of secondary education as part of the state government's plan for all secondary schools to offer years 11 and 12 within 20 years.

The prominent restaurant is one of the businesses where students will gain industry experience.

Head chef Diane Turner has welcomed the possibility.

She said any potential students would be able to receive training in functions, fine dining and a la carte menus, and casual dining.

‘‘Certainly in hospitality we sometimes lack those skilled people, so getting trained and qualified staff who will be able to stay here in the area is great,’’ Mrs Turner said.

‘‘There is a really big focus on tourism here and I know the council have been pushing the North East Rail Trail.

‘‘Tourists are coming into Scottsdale and businesses and the community send them to us.

``They know that tourists want to have good, quality food made from local produce, served by good staff that know their stuff.’’

Scottsdale Parents and Friends Association chairwoman Eva Down said that the community seemed excited by the change and was interested in its future progression.

``It makes it feel like something is happening in this community _ the north-east has previously experienced some negative publicity around industry, and there has been a sense of loss,'' Ms Downs said.

``This is something that we are gaining and there is the feeling that we should maximise on that.

``I see it as a great opportunity to help secure the future here.''

Ms Down said that the benefits of extending secondary education in the north-east would already start next year.

She said it was an opportunity for those students who were unable to travel into Launceston for years 11 and 12, and made it an easier choice for parents and students who were held back by financial and social barriers.

When Ms Down's eldest son attended Launceston College he boarded with a family member, but some in Scottsdale didn’t have that option, she said.