Two pivotal South Australian group training organisations – the Motor Trade Association (MTA) and the Master Builders Association (MBA) – have joined forces with the State Government to be part of Tonsley Technical College.

The partnerships with the MTA and MBA will provide employment opportunities and apprenticeships with host employers across South Australia for students when they complete their studies at the Tonsley Technical College.

It will also inform the training programs to help develop the technical skills and capabilities needed for students to transition to employment and succeed in the workplace.

“Career opportunities in building and construction are extensive, especially in the trades. Tonsley Technical College will be a great place for young South Australians to get started”, said Master Builders Association of SA CEO Will Frogley.

“It’s great to see the reinvigoration of vocational training. Technical colleges are needed more than ever.”

“Master Builders SA estimates nearly 15,000 extra tradies will be needed by 2027 to meet industry demand. A strong training pipeline is vital to ensure quality work can be delivered on time and for a reasonable cost.”

Motor Trade Association SA/NT CE Darrell Jacobs said the MTA looks forward to introducing school students to the exciting and rapidly evolving world of automotive and directly connecting students with employment outcomes.

“Students will be able to experience the latest technologies including cutting-edge electric vehicle training.”

“This partnership will further strengthen our pipeline of apprentices and help alleviate persistent skills shortages.

“With a significant demand for tradespeople across all industries including automotive, the MTA is proud to be providing hands-on learning and practical experience which no ordinary classroom could deliver”, he said.

It follows the announcement earlier this year of Flinders University as the official partner of the Tonsley Technical College in a collaborative partnership that focuses on innovation, as well as the partnership with the Australian Science and Mathematics School (ASMS) where students will complete their SACE while at the Tonsley Technical College.

The Tonsley Technical College will be built in tandem with Flinders University’s Factory of the Future with the project set to open by 2025, placing South Australia at the global forefront of developing vibrant industry linked research, education and training facilities.

“The first of its kind in Australia, Flinders University’s Factory of the Future is a world-class, advanced manufacturing test bed, bringing together industry, education and research to develop vital sovereign capabilities in defence and many other sectors”, said President and Vice Chancellor of Flinders University Colin Stirling.

“Co-locating the Tonsley Technical College with Flinders’ Factory of the Future provides incredible learning experiences for secondary students, where they can be immersed in innovation, see what they can be, and make choices about their careers based on that experience.

“The Tonsley Innovation Precinct is South Australia’s home of world-class innovation and the ultimate gateway for skills development and career paths in critical sectors.”

In addition to formalising the relationship with the MTA and the MBA, the State Government has also announced the four key industry specialisations that have been identified for students attending the Tonsley Technical College, to ensure a pipeline of skilled works for vital industries.

Following close analysis of in-demand skills sectors and engagement with stakeholders, the key industry sectors for the technical college will be:

• Engineering/ Advanced Manufacturing
• Automotive and Energy
• Building and Construction
• Health and Social Support – which will include a pathway to allied health and nursing.

These specialisations will prepare students for the jobs available now and into the future, with a focus on new technologies and future industries.

The technical college will support young people to make successful transitions from school to employment and further study in the key areas which are required by South Australian industry.

The State Government has committed $208 million to build five technical colleges – three in metropolitan Adelaide and two in regional South Australia – to provide a specialist senior secondary option that equips students with the workplace skills needed in areas of high demand.

The first of those to open will be at Findon next year.

Visit Technical Colleges to learn more.