Aerospace leader Boeing Defence Australia has signed on as an employer partner with The Heights Technical College.

Boeing Defence Australia, a significant employer in the Australian aerospace market, will work with the department on developing learning programs designed to give students the workplace experience needed to prepare for a career in the industry

The aeroskills sector, an important component of the South Australian defence industry, has limited vocational pathways to entry-level roles within the state – an issue that will be addressed through the technical college.

Boeing Defence Australia Managing Director Amy List said, our agreement with The Heights Technical College will give more young South Australians the opportunity of working at the cutting edge of aerospace with companies like Boeing.

“With one of the largest aircraft maintenance workforces in South Australia, focused particularly on the support of Royal Australian Air Force P-8A Poseidons, and with more than 30 aircraft technician roles to fill over the next two years, we rely on a pipeline of candidates who are equipped to support the frontline aircraft we maintain and upgrade for the Australian Defence Force”.

“The Heights will support the future growth of local aerospace companies like Boeing Defence Australia, and we thank the South Australian Government for the opportunity of being involved”, said Ms List.

The Heights Technical College, which is co-located with The Heights School, is in the final stages of construction with Findon Technical College students receiving a “sneak peek” of the new space on Sunday 22 June.

It has been designed to feel like a workplace to help students obtain the necessary skills and experiences to transition to work. The two-story building features purpose-built facilities with a combination of metal and glass, along with cladding in selected colours and textures inspired by the local landscape.

The space includes workshops, where students can focus on any of the four industry pathways on offer, including:

• Aeroskills – for careers as aircraft maintenance technicians in defence and civil aviation
• Advanced manufacturing and engineering – for careers as fabricators, welders and engineers
• Building and construction – for careers in those industries
• Early childhood and education – for careers as early childhood workers and teachers.

A state-of-the-art 270-degree wrap-around projection screen, covering three entire walls, will add to the immersive learning experience for students, simulating what it’s like to fix the underside of an aircraft. Other onsite technologies include welding simulators, 3D printers and an IT suite with industry standard software and equipment.

The State Government has committed $208.8 million to build five technical colleges, one of which opened last year and is co-located with Findon High School.

Work is underway on the four other sites, with Port Augusta to open to students later this year, and three others – The Heights, Tonsley and Limestone Coast – to open in 2026.

The Heights, like the other four colleges, is open for enrolments from students currently in years 9 and 10, for enrolment in years 10 and 11 in 2026.

Register for any of the five technical colleges via the Technical Colleges website.