The State Government said Adelaide-based architect Brown Falconer had been selected to design Findon Technical College, the first of five technical schools to be built in South Australia as part of a $208 million Labor election promise.

The college will be co-located at the Findon High School site, with construction expected to start early next year.

It will have an emphasis on manufacturing trades, including electricians, machinists, and welding and is expected to open in 2024.

Four other technical colleges are due to open by 2026 – at The Heights School at Modbury, Tonsley TAFE, Mount Gambier TAFE and Port Augusta – each with their own tailored specialties.

Education Minister Blair Boyer said Brown Falconer would work closely with building services and civil and structural engineers Aurecon, as well as landscape architect Aspect Studios.

“These appointments mark a significant step forward, with each technical college project to proceed separately to ensure full consideration is given to the industry workforce needs and local context,” he said.

Boyer said the colleges would offer students a senior secondary education program that includes vocational qualifications alongside SACE completion.

He said the colleges would provide pathways straight from school to employment, including through school-based apprenticeships and traineeships, work experience and connections with local employers.

For business and industry, Boyer said the technical colleges would offer programs tailored to local skills in demand.

“These brand-new buildings with state-of-the-art technology will be run in conjunction with the nearby high schools and are an investment to equip young people with vital skills in industry sectors that are in high demand,” he said.

Brown Falconer Director Michael Lambert said: “This is an exciting opportunity to provide a new environment for skills-based learning and informed directly by industry and employer partners as to the skills and experience needed in the workplace.”