Luke built a welding table, landed a job at BAE, and skipped the Shakespeare. Find out how SA’s new tech colleges are changing the game for hands-on learners.
Luke Carr never liked writing essays. But building a steel welding table that everyone in the workshop now uses – that’s more his style.
Now in Year 12, the 18-year-old is one of the first Findon Technical College students to land a job through the school’s hands-on training program, scoring a school-based apprenticeship with defence giant BAE Systems Australia as a fabrication technician.
“I get to see stuff I’ve actually made being used,” Luke says. “It’s a really rewarding feeling. You think, ‘I did that’.”
High school and high-vis – a great match
He now works full-time at Osborne Naval Shipyard, where he’s training to become a fabrication technician (AKA boilermaker) – a trade that, despite the name, is all about building big, tough components used in ships, submarines, and (if Luke has his way) maybe even space rockets one day.
“I originally applied because I wanted to work with spacecraft,” Luke says. “I knew BAE had a part in that, so I thought, maybe shipbuilding now, rocket ships later.”
His journey started last year when he joined Findon Technical College in Year 11. By combining his SACE with a Cert II in Engineering – and later a Cert III – Luke was able to swap English essays for welding gear and develop his literacy skills while working in his chosen industry.
“I’m not really a ‘blabber on’ kind of person,” he says. “Findon Tech gave me the chance to actually build stuff, not just talk about it.”
So what are these technical colleges?
They’re a new kind of high school – one where you learn by doing, not sitting in a classroom. That means real-world skills, real experience, and a head start on your career.
Open to students in Years 10 to 12, South Australia’s five new State Government-funded technical colleges combine your SACE with VET (vocational education and training). And they’re taught in purpose-built facilities that mimic real-world workplaces – from high-tech workshops and construction zones to health clinics and early childhood classrooms.
They’re part of a $208.8 million state government initiative to tackle the skills shortage and help young South Australians transition straight into meaningful careers or further study.
They’re free to attend (with only standard materials and services fees, similar to any local public school) and they’re open to students from anywhere in SA – no school zones. They also provide a uniform, loan laptop and all you need to get a start in your career. All you need is the motivation to learn new skills and follow a hands-on pathway.
Luke says the difference was night and day: “At a mainstream school it’s a lot of word limits and reports. At Findon, the maths and English we learned was practical – like workplace maths and communication. Everything actually felt useful.”
Built for the real world
What makes these colleges different isn’t just the equipment – it’s the connection to industry.
Each college has been co-designed with employers who help shape the curriculum, provide mentorship, and in many cases, offer jobs to graduates.
And in some programs, students can even complete the first year of a uni degree while still in Year 12, thanks to a partnership with Flinders University. That means you could start a nursing, engineering or early childhood degree before you even graduate – no ATAR needed.
The colleges’ model isn’t one-size-fits-all, either: Three of the colleges – Findon, Tonsley and The Heights – offer full-time enrolment, while two regional colleges – Port Augusta and Limestone Coast – use a block-based model. That means students stay enrolled at their regular school and attend the tech college in week-long training blocks throughout the year. It’s ideal for students in more remote areas, and on-site accommodation is available if needed.
Whichever model students choose, they’re learning real skills and connecting with real employers – and that’s exactly how Luke landed his apprenticeship.
BAE Systems is one of Findon Technical College’s key partners, along with Axiom, Liebherr, Helping Hand, Southern Cross Care, Goodstart, Precious Cargo and more.
“The production team at BAE have been amazing,” he says. “They’re proud of what they do, and they want us to succeed too.”
What’s on offer – and where to find it
Discover more about each of SA’s technical colleges.
Findon Technical College
- Open since 2024
- Full-time and part-time options
- Streams: Advanced Manufacturing & Engineering, Health & Social Support, Early Childhood & Education
- Fast-track uni options with Flinders in all streams
- Partners include BAE, Axiom, Helping Hand, Goodstart, and more
Port Augusta Technical College
- Opening August 2025
- Part-time, block-based model
- Streams: Civil/Resources, Cookery & Tourism, Health, Multi-trades
- Open to regional students across SA with on-site accommodation
- Fast-track to Flinders for Health
Tonsley Technical College
- Opening 2026
- Full-time with part-time options
- Streams: Advanced Manufacturing & Engineering, Automotive & Energy, Building & Construction
- Flinders fast-track for Engineering
- Partners include ASC, REDARC, MTA, MBA, CIC, and more
The Heights Technical College
- Opening 2026
- Located at Modbury Heights
- Full-time with part-time options
- Streams: Aeroskills, Advanced Manufacturing & Engineering, Building & Construction, Early Childhood
- Partners include Boeing Defence Australia, ASC and BAE Systems
- Flinders fast-track for Engineering and Early Childhood
Limestone Coast Technical College
- Opening 2026
- Located at Mount Gambier
- Part-time, block-based model
- Streams: Agri-tech, Early Childhood, Health, Multi-trades
- On-site accommodation available
- Flinders fast-track for Health and Early Childhood
Is it for you?
If you’re someone who likes working with your hands, building things, fixing things, helping people, or solving real-world problems – then these colleges are designed with you in mind.
And if you have a broad idea of the industry you want to work in but aren’t sure of the exact career? That’s fine too. You’ll be guided through different options in your chosen industry.
As Luke says: “If you’re a hands-on learner, I’d say 100 per cent go for it. It’s less stressful, more fun, and sets you up for real work.”
Want a closer look?
Check out an Open Day at your nearest technical college:
- The Heights – 19 August
- Findon – 21 August
- Tonsley – 27 August
Thinking this could be your thing? Find out more or register your interest at the Technical Colleges website.
