The first of the State Government’s technical colleges – Findon Technical College – has officially opened its doors to students and staff today.

The Technical College is the first of five which will provide skills training to hundreds of young South Australians in collaboration with key industry partners.

Findon Technical College will provide students from years 10 to 12 the opportunity to learn in state-of-the-art facilities as they complete their SACE and start a career in some of South Australia’s fastest growing industries including advanced manufacturing and engineering, early childhood and education and health and social support.

Employer partners, including representatives from BAE Systems and multinational equipment manufacturer, Liebherr, were also at today’s event. These partners have helped design the content of the industry training programs and will support the delivery of the programs along with providing opportunities for students to work with them and develop the skills needed for the jobs in each industry.

Findon has been designed to ensure hands-on, project-based learning that is valued by industry, with the latest technology built in, including a robot called Pepper, an industrial collaborate robot (COBOT), a welding workshop, specialised acoustic padded pods for audio opportunities, and a large LED videowall for immersive experiences.

Findon Technical College will be overseen by Findon High School Principal Kathleen Hoare, and led on site by Luke Northcote, with 19 specialist staff and key registered training organisations including TAFE SA and the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation.

More than 230 students have enrolled in the technical college for 2024, developing their skills for the jobs in these key industry sectors in South Australia. Students have the opportunity to attend full-time and complete all of their program in the technical college or on a part-time basis and remain at their home school for their general SACE subjects.

The student’s timetables vary depending on their area of study and year level but each has a deliberate focus on creating pathways into future employment, such as Year 11 students having dedicated time for work placement and individual coaching sessions.

Employee partners include BAE Systems Australia, Liebherr, Axiom Precision Manufacturing, Helping Hand Aged Care, Southern Cross Care, Goodstart Early Learning and Precious Cargo.