South Australia’s five new $208m technical colleges take shape, with construction to start by early 2023

Planning is well advanced for the state’s new $208m technical colleges, including a partnership with one of the world’s biggest defence companies.

A global defence company is investigating a partnership with the first of South Australia’s five new multimillion-dollar technical colleges.

BAE Systems is in discussions with the Education Department about potential programs at Findon Technical College, to be built near existing Findon High School.

The other four technical colleges will be located near other secondary schools at Tonsley, Modbury, Port Augusta and Mt Gambier.

The colleges – costing a total of $208m – will prepare youths for apprenticeships by providing skills-based training in contemporary facilities.

Education Minister Blair Boyer said the new buildings would have the latest equipment and state-of-the-art technology.

“They will be run in conjunction with nearby high schools to make sure that their students complete their SACE as well as getting trade qualifications,” he said.

Findon High students (sitting L to R) Sophia Mendoza, 13, Declan Amato, 12, and Amelia Giltrow, 13, during a workshop with 3D printers at Findon High School. Picture: NCA NewsWire / David Mariuz

Mr Boyer said the colleges would be similar to the Catholic-operated St Patrick’s Technical College at Edinburgh, in Adelaide’s north.

The school works with private companies and TAFE to provide school-based apprenticeships across various trades, including plumbing, construction, electrotechnology, food, hospitality, hair, beauty, automotive, metals and information technology.

“St Patrick’s is an excellent example of what can be done by partnering up with private training providers, TAFE and companies,” said Mr Boyer.

“The new technical colleges also will offer programs which create and strengthen student pathways straight from school to employment.

BAE Systems resourcing manager Georgette Elston said the company wanted to get involved with the technical colleges to help train and recruit staff.

“The technical colleges will provide a great foundation for industry to engage with students, provide early hands on exposure to new industrial technologies and support career connections,” she said.

“Building a strong vocational pipeline into BAE Systems Australia is a key priority as we prepare to build the nation’s most complex warships from South Australia.”

St Patrick’s Technical College student Nash Sanderson wants to become a diesel mechanic. Picture: Supplied

Mr Boyer said the colleges were being built at a time when too many youths were not finishing school and the state was facing a skills shortage.

“They will, crucially, set up young people for the rest of their lives by making sure they are learning the modern skills needed for the future, and getting their high school certificate,” he said.

The Findon technical college will be the first to open in 2024, with the other four due to be finished by 2026.

Findon was being designed by Adelaide-based architects Brown Falconer, with construction due to start early next year.

Year 7 student Sophia Mondenza, 13, said a technical college was “a great idea as it’s kind of an innovative way of teaching and learning”.

“A lot of students would get a lot of value out of being able to learn in a technical environment as part of the school,” she said.