Findon Technical College students now have the unique opportunity to complete their first year of university while still in Year 12, propelling them into promising career paths in essential fields such as education, healthcare, and engineering.
This innovative program is the result of a dynamic partnership between the State Government and Flinders University, to create specialised workforce supporting SA’s economic future.
Under this pioneering program, qualifying students can begin their degrees while enrolled at Findon Technical College, allowing them to complete their studies at Flinders University without needing to achieve an Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR).
The selected courses include the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) and the Bachelor of Early Childhood Education, with pathways available into nursing and allied health degrees such as social work, psychology, and physiotherapy.
To qualify, students must successfully complete their South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE) in Year 11 and a university preparatory program in Year 12. This means that by the time they graduate, they will have gained crucial academic and practical experience, positioning them ahead of their peers as they embark on their careers.
Classes will be taught by educators from both Findon Technical College and Flinders University, with options for online or hybrid learning, ensuring flexibility for students.
They will study up to eight topics in their chosen degree in 2025, all while enjoying the collaborative environment of state-of-the-art facilities designed for hands-on learning.
Minister for Education, Training and Skills, Blair Boyer, says he is excited to building a workforce for the future.
“By enabling students to complete their first year of university while still in Year 12, they will leave Findon Technical College equipped with essential skills developed through collaboration with industry experts.”
The initiative is part of a broader $208.8 million investment to establish five technical colleges across the state. Findon Technical College, co-located with Findon High School, offers students a head start in three in-demand specialisations: advanced manufacturing and engineering, health and social support, and early childhood education.
Work is already underway for additional colleges, with Port Augusta Technical College set to open in 2025, followed by Tonsley, Modbury Heights, and Mount Gambier in 2026. These institutions will not only support students in completing their SACE but also provide valuable vocational training and industry experience.
Flinders University’s Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Romy Lawson, highlighted the transformative potential of this initiative.
“This game-changing program allows students to earn degree qualifications sooner while receiving the support they need for their tertiary studies,” he said.
With this exciting opportunity, Findon Technical College students are poised to emerge as skilled professionals ready to meet the growing demands in nursing, teaching, and engineering.
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