26 September 2022

An established Adelaide-based architect has been appointed to design the first of five new technical colleges to be built in South Australia.

Brown Falconer, a multidisciplinary design practice with a 75-year legacy in Adelaide, will begin work on the Findon Technical College immediately, with construction set to start early next year.

Five technical colleges will be built across the state – including two in regional areas – with an investment of more than $208 million.

Brown Falconer will work closely with building services and civil and structural engineers Aurecon, as well as landscape architect Aspect Studios.

Brown Falconer Director, Michael Lambert said this is an exciting opportunity to provide a new environment for skills-based learning and informed directly by industry and employer partners as to the skills and experience needed in the workplace.

“Together we can co-create a new educational partnership, raising the profile of vocational educational training and providing job ready skilled workers across SA,” said Mr Lambert

“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to develop the facilities fundamental to providing work ready school leavers in critical industry sectors.”

Findon Technical College will be operational by 2024, with all five up and running by 2026.

These technical colleges will offer students a senior secondary education program that includes vocational qualifications alongside SACE completion.

For business and industry, the technical colleges will offer programs tailored to local skills in demand and complement existing offerings available through schools and registered training organisations.

Importantly, the technical colleges create and strengthen student pathways straight from school to employment, including through School-Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships, work experience and connections with local employers.