New era in education for regional South Australian students

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.

The brand-new college is already full, with more than 200 enrolments.

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

These opportunities have been developed in conjunction with key employee partners in the region, including BHP, SA Power Networks, the Australian Hotels Association, Local Health Networks, Hallett Group, and Jaymel Airconditioning.

The first cohort of students that start this term, 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 opening in South Australia as part of a $208.8 million Malinauskas Labor 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 region, is open to a wide range of students including those studying at schools in the local area along with those on Eyre Peninsula, Yorke Peninsula, or in the Mid North, Far North and the APY Lands.

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 their 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.

It features four industry workshops including a commercial hospitality kitchen, a workshop for health and social support teaching, two for trades supporting construction, civil, resources and infrastructure subjects – along with computeraided design (CAD) suite, 3D printing for fabrication and prototypes, a co creating space featuring virtual reality 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.

Quotes

Attributable to Peter Malinauskas

Resources and infrastructure projects will create a generation of work for South Australians and support the economy of the Upper Spencer Gulf.

The technical college partnership with BHP and others will further build on the opportunities for young people in the region.

We want students to know they can start their journey to a career while still at school, getting qualifications that will get them a job when they finish their SACE.

Attributable to Blair Boyer

As a kid who grew up in the country, I could only dream of attending a school like this. One that has the most advanced technology and was designed in conjunction with key employers from the region.

These technical colleges represent a new style of learning that connects our young people directly with employers and provides them with an exciting, hands-on pathway to their future career. Students will walk out of the technical colleges with their SACE certificate and a guaranteed career in industries that are in demand here in South Australia.

Demand for the Port Augusta Technical College has been exceptional with the school already full before it even opens its doors. That speaks to the huge interest in ensuring our young people are engaged and learning in innovative ways that links them directly with career opportunities. The accommodation aspect of the Port Augusta Technical College will play a pivotal role in the region, to ensure the tech college is accessible to as many students as possible.

Attributable to Member for Giles Eddie Hughes

The Port Augusta Technical College is a great initiative for our part of the state enabling students from across the region to get ready for the pipeline of future jobs.
The college helps centre Port Augusta as the major regional service centre for our region.

Importantly many jobs in our region require vocational qualifications and our students will be off to a flying start with this great initiative - a real plus for Port Augusta, our region and our students.

Attributable to Member for Stuart Geoff Brock

When I was at school opportunities like this were not available unless we relocated to Adelaide, which was very expensive and meant leaving home for extended periods of time.

This facility gives regional people the opportunity to gain a trade qualification locally, with accommodation available if required. This is such a valuable resource which will support education in regional areas.

Attributable to Anna Wiley, BHP Asset President, Copper South Australia

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.

Attributable to Owen Webb, Deputy CEO AHA SA

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.