A new partnership between the South Australian Government and Flinders University will accelerate the tertiary studies of Findon Technical College students pursuing in-demand careers in engineering and advanced manufacturing.

Under the joint initiative, students will be able to complete the first year of their university degree in year 12, giving them a head start in their careers.

Students studying a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) will be eligible for the program, which aims to build South Australia’s specialised workforce in a range of   high-demand industries, including defence and space.

Flinders University Senior Deputy-Vice Chancellor, Professor Romy Lawson, said the new initiative will be transformative for students to have the first year of their degree under their belt while working with industry experts on the job to gain valuable skills.

“At Flinders University, we believe a student’s potential can be unlocked early by supporting their drive and skill development in their chosen career,” Professor Lawson said.

“Our game-changing initiative with the State Government will provide an opportunity for students to earn degree qualifications sooner and support their tertiary study while they’re in year 12.

“This nation-leading pathway with the Findon Technical College means Flinders students will emerge with degree-level qualifications in industries suffering skills shortages to support the economy and fast-track their career opportunities in nursing, teaching and engineering.”

To qualify, students need to successfully complete their South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE) in Year 11 at Findon Technical College and university preparatory program for entry into their degree.

Eligible students will be granted early entry to university as a Year 12 student, without the need for an Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR).

The bachelor courses will be offered online or via hybrid delivery at Flinders city campus or in the Technical College by Flinders University. Students will study up to eight topics in 2025.

In addition to engineering and advanced manufacturing, degree pathways will be offered in other in-demand industry specialisations, such as health, social support and early childhood education.

Findon Technical College is the first of five technical colleges to be built across metropolitan and regional South Australia, with Port Augusta Technical College due to open in 2025, followed by Tonsley, Modbury Heights and Mount Gambier in 2026.

Discover more about Findon Technical College

*Image courtesy of the Department for Education, South Australia.