Flinders University and tech college cosy up

Adelaide’s Flinders University will be the official partner of the Tonsley Technical College in a collaborative innovation partnership which furthers the development of the university’s Catapult centre-related Factory of the Future.

The Tonsley Technical College will be built in tandem with the Factory of the Future, backed by federal and state governments and BAE Systems Australia, with the project set to open by 2025.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Colin Stirling (Pictured, centre) said co-location of the Factory of the Future facility with the Tonsley Technical College will place South Australia at the forefront of developing vibrant industry linked research, education and training facilities.

Professor Stirling said: “The first of its kind in Australia, Flinders University’s Factory of the Future is a world-class, advanced manufacturing test bed, bringing together industry, education and research to develop vital sovereign capabilities in key sectors including defence and advanced manufacturing.

“As Flinders continues to ramp-up our contributions towards the state’s future workforce requirements in key programmes – including future frigates and nuclear submarines – the co-location of the state government’s Technical College with the Factory of the Future will create an exciting environment that showcase…these nation-building programmes.”

The Australian Science and Mathematics School at Flinders University will be the partner school and provide a key pathway to employment for students to complete their SACE while developing vital workplace skills at Tonsley Technical College.

SA Deputy Premier Susan Close (pictured, at right) said it will provide senior secondary students with visibility on a day-to-day basis of a wide range of rewarding employment opportunities available in sectors of great strategic importance to the South Australia.

Close said: “Partnering with Flinders University and the Factory of the Future provides students with a unique and specialised experience.

“It will allow them to be involved in industry innovation, learn about the jobs of the future, as well as train for the jobs that are available when they leave school.”

Picture: Flinders University/Australian Industrial Transformation Institute