Technical College students can complete their SACE and gain all the skills they need for in demand careers in South Australia.

At each technical college, the learning is centred around an industry specialisation, with unique training programs designed and delivered in partnership with employers, with guaranteed career opportunities for graduates.

The first of these facilities, Findon Technical College, opened to students in 2024. Port Augusta Technical College, co-located at Port Augusta Secondary School, will open in 2025, and the remaining 3 technical colleges at Tonsley, Mount Gambier and The Heights (Modbury) are set to welcome students in 2026.

Industry-centred learning

Training programs are designed and delivered in partnership with top employers, aligned with industry needs and standards. Students gain their SACE, VET qualifications and the real-world industry experience to go directly into a job, an apprenticeship, traineeship, or further study.

Employer partners include BAE Systems, Liebherr, Axiom Precision Manufacturing, Helping Hand Aged Care, Southern Cross Care, Goodstart Early Learning, Precious Cargo, Eyre and Far North Local Health Network (EFNLHN), Flinders and Upper North Local Health Network (FUNLHN), SA Power Networks, Hallett Group, BHP, the Motor Trade Association (MTA), Master Builders Association (MBA), and Australian submarine company ASC.

Real-world experience

Purpose-built to replicate the look and feel of industry workplaces, the facilities ensure students won’t just be sitting in a classroom listening to theory.

They’ll be learning real skills in a real work environment, and gaining practical, hands-on experience with industry-standard equipment and technologies.

“We want our young people to engage with industry, gain real-world experience, and develop skills that make them highly sought-after employees,” says Luke Northcote, Findon Technical College Lead.

Ongoing support

Luke is also proud of the unique way students are supported through their programs with coaching and mentoring.

“Through all of our industry training programs, our students receive mentoring every week to make sure that they’re on track with their learning and that their wellbeing is okay,” he says.

Hana Badr, an early childhood education student and school-based trainee at employer partner, Precious Cargo, finds the college a ‘perfect fit’.

“What I love about Findon Technical College is the incredible support network available for us. Our teachers, trainers and mentors are all from industry and support us through our journey.

“We have regular meetings with our mentor as a checkpoint to reflect,” she says. “My mentor has helped me prioritise important tasks and goals.”

Guaranteed career opportunities

Students will walk out of the technical colleges with their SACE and a guaranteed career in an in-demand industry in South Australia.

“Students are motivated and eager to gain the real-world skills employers crave,” says Luke. “They’re choosing to come to a technical college not just to complete their schooling, but to realise their dream career.”

At Findon Technical College, students can even complete the first year of a degree at Flinders University while in year 12, fast-tracking their career as an early childhood educator, nurse, allied health professional or engineer.

Applications are now open

Findon Technical College offers students hands on industry training in one of three specialist industry training programs; early childhood and education, health and social support, and advanced
manufacturing and engineering.

The Heights Technical College, to be co-located and run in conjunction with The Heights School in Modbury, will train students in aeroskills such as aviation maintenance, along with advanced manufacturing and engineering, building and construction, and early childhood and education.

Port Augusta Technical College will provide students with direct pathways into jobs such as electricians, engineers, boilermakers, and gas fitters through the multi-trades program, as well as offer training for careers in health and social support, hospitality and tourism, and civil, resources and infrastructure.

Tonsley Technical College will focus on the building and construction industry, as well as advanced manufacturing and engineering, and automotive and energy, partnering with the Master Builders Association (MBA), the Motor Trade Association (MTA) and Australian submarine company, ASC.

At Mount Gambier Technical College, study streams include agri-tech, for careers in forestry, agriculture and manufacturing, multi-trades, early childhood and education, as well as health and social support.

To learn more about the 5 technical colleges, including how to apply: technicalcolleges.sa.gov.au