Construction of the college, which will be located at Findon High School, is well underway, as it gets ready to welcome around 200 Year 10 and Year 11 students in January 2024.

Global aerospace company BAE Systems has signed a landmark agreement to deliver advance manufacturing at the college, providing students with skills and career pathways in crucial industries such as defence ship and submarine building.

The Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering training program will feature a broad range of topics including industrial maintenance, welding, computer-aided design and drafting, robotics and automation. These will be delivered as part of the students’ VET and SACE programs.

Other education pathways on offer include a focus on early childhood and education through partnerships with Precious Cargo Education and Goodstart Early Learning, along with training in health and social care with support from Helping Hand and Southern Cross Care.

Students will enjoy first-class school facilities that have been designed to replicate the look, flow and feel of industry workplaces, creating a practical, hands-on training environment.

BAE Systems Head of Resourcing and Early Careers Georgette Elston said the college would provide a great foundation for industry to engage with students.

“It also provides early hands-on exposure to new industrial technologies and supports career connections,” Ms Elston said.

“BAE Systems Australia is already working closely to support curriculum design and development of employer programs, including school-based traineeships and apprenticeships.”

Four other technical colleges will also be built – at Heights School, Tonsley Innovation precinct, Port Augusta and Mt Gambier – with all schools to be operational by 2026.

For more information about Findon Technical College and to apply for 2024 enrolment, visit the Technical Colleges website. Enrolment applications close on Monday 7 August.