The purpose-built, state-of-the-art Port Augusta Technical College has been officially opened, seeing the beginning of new opportunities for students and a new pipeline for future employees in regional South Australia.

Unlike technical colleges in the past, the five brand new colleges, which will all be in operation next year, have been developed with key employer partners to help shape students’ training and learning experiences so they graduate ‘job ready’.

These key employee partners in the region include BHP, SA Power Networks, the Australian Hotels Association, Local Health Networks, Hallett Group and Jaymel Airconditioning.

The brand-new college is already full, with more than 200 enrolled students who will study for careers that match local workforce demand in:

• Civil, resources and infrastructure – plant operators and concreters, working on major infrastructure projects like the desalination plant and water pipeline.
• Cookery and tourism – leading to careers as chefs, cooks, or tourism operators.
• Health and social support – supporting careers in allied health and nursing.
• Multi-trades – such as electricians, plumbers, and boilermakers.

The Technical College is the second of five opened in South Australia as part of a $208.8 million State Government initiative to support students in years 10 to 12 to complete their SACE while undertaking vocational education and training (VET) in specialist facilities.

The Port Augusta Technical College, designed to reflect the geography of the Upper Spencer Gulf, is open to a wide range of students – including those studying at schools in the local area – along with those in the Eyre Peninsula, Yorke Peninsula, Mid North, Far North and APY Lands.

BHP Asset President Copper South Australia Anna Wiley said, as we continue to build the copper South Australia province, the Port Augusta Technical College stands as a powerful example of what can be achieved when industry and government work side by side.

“Together, we’re creating real pathways from education to employment in key industries like mining, health and hospitality”.

“This college is a direct investment in the strength of our regions. It gives young people a reason to stay, to train, and to build their futures right here in the Upper Spencer Gulf. BHP is proud to be an employer partner, helping shape the curriculum, offering hands-on experience with equipment, and providing mentorship from our technical experts”, said Ms. Wiley.

Students attend the College in week-long blocks, then return to their regular school to finish their other SACE subjects before the next block of students arrive.

The number of weeks depends on the student’s year level and chosen industry program.

The Technical College design includes spaces that mimic workplace environments and the provision of cutting-edge technology to ensure students are gaining relevant practical skills.

Australian Hotels Association Deputy CEO (SA) Owen Webb said, we commend the South Australian government on the establishment of the Port Augusta Technical College.

“This initiative will provide a unique experience for students, where they will be able to obtain relevant SACE and VET qualifications as well as gaining real-life practical hands-on experience with industry”.

“The opening of the College comes at an opportune time for our sector where some hotels in regional areas have even had to resort to fly in fly out chefs to fill skills gaps”.

“The Technical College is a wonderful example of the South Australian government working collaboratively with industry to provide a direct pathway of employment to meet the labour and skills demands of the future”, said Mr Webb.

Port Augusta Technical College features four industry workshops, including: a commercial hospitality kitchen, workshop for health and social support teaching, two trades workshops supporting construction, civil, resources and infrastructure subjects – along with a computer-aided design (CAD) suite, 3D printing for fabrication and prototypes, a co-creating space featuring VR technology, two learning labs, and an outdoor learning area.

Given its role in the wider region, the College also has short-stay accommodation for those who can’t travel every day, providing supervised, secure, overnight suites for up to 44 students.

In year 12, students can start their apprenticeship, or first year of a degree, while completing their SACE – giving them a real head start in their career.

For more information or to register your interest, visit the Technical Colleges website.