Young people in Adelaide’s northern suburbs are set to have a new pathway into construction, engineering and other in-demand industries, with the first plans for a $50 million Gawler Technical College now revealed.
The new college, one of three being delivered by the State Government, will provide up to 250 Year 10, 11 and 12 students with full-time industry training alongside their SACE and a nationally recognised VET qualification.
Set to open in January 2028, the Gawler Technical College will be built on Para Road, behind the co-located Gawler and District College B-12 school.
Construction is expected to begin later this year, with the project scheduled for completion by December 2027.
The college’s key employment streams will focus on construction and engineering, connecting students with local employers and helping them gain hands-on experience in industries experiencing growing demand.
“Students at South Australia’s technical colleges are building life-changing skills for their future careers,” shared Education, Training and Skills Minister Lucy Hood. “Our northern suburbs are growing, and the focus on construction and engineering at this additional technical college in Gawler reflects the opportunities available to meet demand.
“Providing hands-on learning and guaranteed job pathways in priority areas helps young people seamlessly transition into the workforce and contribute to our state’s economic growth.”
Architect Brown Falconer and builder Hindmarsh have been selected to deliver the project, with both companies also involved in the design and construction of Findon Technical College.
The Gawler project forms part of a $150 million election commitment to deliver three additional technical colleges across the state, with new campuses also planned for Murray Bridge and Marden.
Once complete, the projects will take South Australia’s nation-leading network to eight technical colleges, building on the five opened during the Malinauskas Government’s first term.
More than 1,000 students are now enrolled across the state’s technical colleges, helping create a skilled workforce to support major industries including defence, infrastructure and housing.
Member for Light James Agness said, “The release of these plans is a significant milestone in not only the delivery of this project but the delivery of opportunities for the next generation in our community.
“The Gawler Technical College will open doors to the industries of the future such as Defence and Space, whilst also providing a pathway to industries experiencing skills shortages.
“We know our community is growing, and the commitment made by the Malinauskas Labor Government to deliver a Technical College in Gawler will ensure that the next generation will have the opportunity to learn new skills in their own postcode, setting them up with skills for life.”
With construction expected to get underway later this year, the new Gawler Technical College is on track to welcome its first students in 2028.
