Construction of the Tonsley Technical College is underway, with concrete pouring and other key work taking place on site. 

The work has been undertaken by Sarah Constructions at the Tonsley Innovation Precinct, which is opening up training and career opportunities for people in the southern suburbs and Fleurieu Peninsula.

The Technical College is due to welcome students in 2026.

South Australia’s five new Technical Colleges are all now open for enrolments for 2025 and 2026, paving the way for students and their families to start planning their career pathways over the years ahead.

It comes as Flinders University’s Factory of the Future also reaches a milestone with the construction of the world-class advanced manufacturing facility underway to bring together industry, education and researchers and develop sovereign capabilities in key sectors including defence and digital technologies. 

To be built adjacent to the Tonsley Technical College, it is part of a collaboration between the federal and state governments, and private industry, to capitalise on the opportunities in the defence sector and to bolster capacity in the local manufacturing sector.

The building of Tonsley Technical College, which will partner with the nearby Australian Science and Mathematics School, will be completed by the middle of next year, with the start of construction delayed this year by the removal of hundreds of square meters of concrete unexpectedly discovered under the site.

Australian submarine company ASC is the employer partner of the Tonsley Technical College and will provide employment pathways for school students into defence industries.

This partnership will bolster the advanced manufacturing and engineering pathway being offered at the technical college, helping to ensure students are workplace ready when they complete their studies.

Two pivotal South Australian group training organisations – the Motor Trade Association and the Master Builders Association – have also joined forces with Tonsley Technical College to provide employment opportunities and apprenticeships with host employers across South Australia.

The technical college will focus on industry specialisations in the areas of defence, building and construction and sustainable technologies:

• Advanced manufacturing and engineering.
• Automotive and energy.
• Building and construction.

Minister for Education, Training and Skills Blair Boyer says families and potential students will have the opportunity to visit the Tonsley Technical College and see the future opportunities offered.

“I know that everyone who has seen Findon Technical College has been impressed with the design, style and capability-building that is available for students, and I think there will be an even greater level of community enthusiasm about Tonsley, given our collaboration with Flinders University. 

“These technical colleges represent a new style of learning that connects our young people directly with employers and provides them with an exciting, hands-on pathway to their career future.”