A significant relationship has been forged between global resources company BHP and the State Government’s Technical College at Port Augusta.
Premier Peter Malinauskas detailed the partnership with Australia’s largest public company today while visiting the site of the technical college.
Construction on the new technical college is due to begin in coming months, with the work to be undertaken by Sarah Construction.
The Port Augusta Technical College is one of two regional facilities amongst five technical colleges committed to by the Malinauskas Labor Government as part of a $208 million plan to provide an alternative senior secondary option that equips students with the workplace skills needed in areas of high demand.
The Technical College will open in 2025 and will be co-located on the Port Augusta Secondary School site on the corner of Victoria Parade and Hobby Avenue.
Based on analysis and engagement with stakeholders, the Port Augusta Technical College will provide school students with skills for jobs in key industries in the region including:
- Mining and mineral processing
- Renewable energy
- Manufacturing and construction
- Tourism and hospitality
- Health and social support.
It will provide students with direct pathways to careers as electricians, engineers, boilermakers, gas fitters and other secure, well-paid vocations.
The technical college will be available to students across the wider region with short-stay accommodation also available on-site.
As put by Peter Malinauskas
With the State Prosperity Project now underway, there is so much opportunity in the Upper Spencer Gulf.
And if we want to grab it – we absolutely need skilled workers to make it happen.
We already have students at our first new Technical College at Findon in Adelaide on track to receive their high school certificate, a credential, and a guaranteed pathway into a well-paying job.
We want the same pathway for students in Port Augusta – and partnerships through major employers like BHP is the way to secure it.
As put by Tom Koutsantonis
The demand for jobs in the mining and energy sector is booming and will continue to grow.
It’s not a question of where the jobs are coming from, it’s a question of how we’re going to fill them.
BHP are already one of the state’s best employers, and through this partnership, they are investing in the workforce of the future, and they’re doing it right here in the state’s north, where those jobs are needed most.
As put by Blair Boyer
The technical colleges are about increasing choices and options for students and providing them with direct pathways to specific industry sectors where there are careers in demand right here in the Upper Spencer Gulf.
The pathways being provided through the Port Augusta Technical College will support students to gain the skills for jobs with the mining giant.
Following on from the successful opening of the first technical college at Findon, I’m excited to see the progress of the other technical colleges and look forward to seeing the Port Augusta Technical College come to life.
As put by Port Augusta Secondary College Principal Simon Owens
Our students, and the wider community of this region are excited to see this project progress, with the technical college an important step in supporting young people to make successful transitions from school to employment.
This facility will provide opportunities for further study in the key industry areas which are required in the Upper Spencer Gulf.
This school already offers diverse pathways to help our students on their educational journey, and this technical college will further build on that program of work.
As put by Anna Wiley, BHP Asset President Copper South Australia
An expanded technical skills base will be important for South Australia’s economic progress
The Port Augusta Technical College will help young people in the Upper Spencer Gulf get the training they need to pursue rewarding careers.
BHP is pleased to support what is a terrific example of positive collaboration between government, industry, and education providers to deliver broader benefits to the Upper Spencer Gulf community.
