Technical college to build defence and naval shipbuilding workforce

A new technical college will soon be established in Adelaide’s western suburbs, supporting students to pursue trade pathways into high demand jobs such as defence and shipbuilding.

The South Australian Government will partner with Catholic Education (CESA) to deliver an almost $5 million expansion of the Rosewater Trade Training Centre, creating a skills hub right on the doorstep of South Australia’s maritime and defence industries on the Le Fevre Peninsula.

Premier Steven Marshall said the establishment of the technical college would support South Australian students to be best placed for future jobs.

“This is a major investment in the future prosperity of our state. It’s great news for the western suburbs and it’s great news for industry in general,” said Premier Marshall.

“In the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, we must do everything we can to ensure our young South Australians are at the front of the pack to win the jobs of the future.

“Industry has told us that they need young people with work ready skills. We have listened and the establishment of a technical college in Adelaide’s west will deliver the skills needed to support jobs in the defence, shipbuilding and maritime industries.”

Education Minister John Gardner said the Technical College would continue to build confidence in South Australia’s high-quality Vocational Education and Training sector.

“The establishment of this technical college will continue to boost skills training in our state and equip our young people with skill sets that align with industry needs,” said Minister Gardner.

“Students that complete their training will have the option to transition into employment through an apprenticeship or traineeship within the industry, or into higher education.

“The skills these students develop will be meeting critical workforce needs in the defence, shipbuilding and maritime industries.

“We are very pleased to team up with Catholic Education SA to deliver this expanded training centre. Their proposal represents an excellent offering for our students and drew strong support from the Industry Assessment Panel.”

Dr Neil McGoran, Director of Catholic Education South Australia, welcomed the announcement.

“We are excited to be working in partnership with the State Government to deliver a vocational education pathway for secondary students across Catholic, government and independent schools,” said Dr McGoran.

“Across our technical colleges and trade training centres we have a very high transition rate to employment and apprenticeships.

“We will leverage strong existing partnerships with industry and trade across SA to ensure that young people are job-ready and armed with the skills they need to succeed in these growth employment areas.

“The Western Technical College will give students qualifications that will set them up for life.”

The joint project was selected following an application process and strongly supported by a panel made up of representatives from SAAB Australia, Naval Group and BAE Systems.

This joint investment will see the creation of a new machining and fabrication areas at the centre, as well as two laboratories to deliver Computer Aided Design, drafting and information, digital media and technology, and electronics and electrotechnology laboratories.

The technical college will be available to students from government, catholic and independent schools as part of the Marshall Government’s commitment to delivering the best educational opportunities for the largest number of South Australian students.

Work will be completed in time for new enrolments in Semester 2 next year.