The Australian Technical College – Spencer Gulf and Outback is excited about the opening of its new first-class facility, in Wandearah Road, Port Pirie.
The college allows students to continue their schooling with a trade focus and undertake structured training and work exper- ience to help prepare them for an apprenticeship.
Federal Member for Grey Barry Wakelin officially opened the new facility on Tuesday with students, friends, families and guests from around the region there to celebrate the occasion and the tremendous success the college has had so far.
Port Pirie Mayor Geoff Brock said there had been some trouble trying to find a suitable place for the new
facility, but the decision was made to use the old council depot.
"It is a fantastic spot with surrounding education facilities like John Pirie Secondary School, the TAFE and primary schools," he said. "I wish all the students the best success."
Until the new facility was built, the students were working out of a classroom at TAFE SA Port Pirie and had 16 students for the first half of the year.
Prinicipal Jenny Coe said that the word must have got around because there were now the 28 students in the second semester and more people interested in enrolling next year. Students can undertake training for trades in five areas: metal and engineering, building and construction, automotive, electrical and electro- technology and commercial cookery.
Students aim to start a School-Based Apprent- iceship on a part-time basis while they are completing their school studies and the times are flexible to suit the employers needs.
Commercial Cookery student Toby Shearer has started such an apprenticeship at a restaurant in Adelaide. He praised the college.
"You can work around what you want to be and what you are good at," he said. "I get one-on-one treatment which is good and the teachers are always there to help us."
Joseph Slattery also has an apprenticeship and he is glad he enrolled because he is getting a head start into the workforce.
"The communication between the college staff and my employer is really good. They make it easier for everyone," he said.
College produces winner of national award in first year
The Port Pirie site of the Australian Technical College has produced a national award-winning student in its first year of operation.
Jamie Davidson has won the Australian Vocational Student prize which recognises Year 12 students who show exceptional skill,
commitment and achievement while undertaking an Australian School-Based Apprenticeship.
The college offers Year 11 and 12 students the opportunity to complete their studies while learning skills needed when entering a trade.
When Jamie received the call telling him that he had won the prize he said he was "very excited".
"It is really good, but not just because I have won the award but because I have gained an apprenticeship in an area where there is a lot of competition for not too many positions," he said.
The Gladstone High School student was the first of the college to be employed as a School-Based Apprentice earlier this year and is now on the cusp of being employed as a full-time apprentice.
His employer Andrew Trott, of A.H. and R.M. Trott Electrical, based in Wirrabara, said the award was a "big bonus" for Jamie. "It is great to see a young lad like Jamie get recognised for his hard work," he said.
"He started out a bit shy during work experience, but he has picked up skills at the college that made him employable from day one."
The electrical business is expanding and Mr Trott said he would "definitely" hire another student from the technical college.
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