ECEC workforce pipeline begins with opening of Findon Technical College

A specialised training college has opened in South Australia, designed to meet the demand for workers in some of SA’s fastest growing sectors and industries including advanced manufacturing and engineering, early childhood education and care (ECEC) and education and health and social support.

Findon Technical College officially opened its doors to students and staff yesterday with a ceremony featuring Premier Peter Malinauskas, employer partners, special guests, staff, students and their families.

The Technical College is the first of five which will provide skills training to hundreds of young South Australians in collaboration with key industry partners.

ECEC providers Precious Cargo and Goodstart Early Learning are partnering with the college in the ECEC space. 

“Today we see the delivery of a promise that will ensure that our young people have the opportunity to learn in cutting-edge facilities, get the practical education and support they need and graduate workforce ready into jobs,” Mr Malinauskas said. 

“Not every student wants to go to university. The students starting today at Findon Technical College will graduate straight into fulfilling, well paid jobs with quality employers in parts of our economy that we know are growing strongly.”

The College is for students in years 10 – 12 and offers them the opportunity to learn in state-of-the-art facilities as they complete their SACE.

Findon Technical College has been designed to ensure hands-on, project-based learning, with the latest technology built in, including a robot called Pepper, an industrial collaborate robot (COBOT), a welding workshop, specialised acoustic padded pods for audio opportunities, and a large LED video wall for immersive experiences.

Findon Technical College will be overseen by Findon High School Principal Kathleen Hoare, and led on site by Luke Northcote, with 19 specialist staff and key registered training organsiations including TAFE SA and the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation.

More than 230 students have enroled in the technical college for 2024. Students have the opportunity to attend full-time and complete all of their program in the technical college or on a part-time basis and remain at their home school for their general SACE subjects.

The student’s timetables vary depending on their area of study and year level but each has a deliberate focus on creating pathways into future employment, such as Year 11 students having dedicated time for work placement and individual coaching sessions.

“This is the first time a technical college has been built by a South Australian Government in more than 50 years,” SA Education Minister Blair Boyer explained. 

“It is exciting to see the first of these technical colleges open its doors, and I have high hopes for the future of this group of students as they take up this innovative educational opportunity.It is just the beginning of a very bright future for all of them.”

Learn more about Findon Technical College here.