Media Release $15.8 MILLION FUNDING AGREEMENT FOR AUSTRALIAN TECHNICAL COLLEGE – NORTHERN ADELAIDE June 26, 2006
The Australian Minister for Vocational and Technical Education, the Hon Gary Hardgrave MP, signed a $15.8 million agreement today to fund an Australian Technical College in Northern Adelaide.
The College, to be located in Elizabeth and operated as an independent non-government school, will be operated by the Archdiocese of Adelaide and a consortium of leading industrial and manufacturing companies in the region.
The Australian Technical Colleges are a unique concept where Year 11 and 12 students commence an Australian Apprenticeship, while continuing their academic studies within their own dedicated college.
“This important initiative has been well received by Northern Adelaide business and industry, and will help to address skills needs and provide opportunities for those in greatest need, including a lot of Indigenous students in the region,’’ Mr Hardgrave said.
“The fact that this College is being led by local employers, local government and other key stakeholders, means it will be truly industry and community driven,’’ Mr Hardgrave said.
The Australian Technical College – Northern Adelaide will begin taking students in 2007 and offer fully integrated academic and trade training in metals and engineering, building and construction, automotive, electrotechnology and commercial cookery.
The Federal Member for Wakefield, Mr David Fawcett MP and the Federal Member for Makin, Mrs Trish Draper MP, welcomed the signing of the agreement.
Mr Hardgrave said more than 300 students are expected to be enrolled in the Australian Technical College – Northern Adelaide by 2009.
“The Australian Government has committed $343.6 million over five years to establish 25 Australian Technical Colleges around Australia in 24 strategically important industrial and commercial regions,’’ Mr Hardgrave said.
“Within the Australian Government’s record $10.8 billion Vocational and Technical Education commitment over the period 2005 to 2008, the Australian Technical Colleges initiative forms a significant part of the Government’s commitment to skill our workers and ensure that Australia’s economy continues to grow for decades to come.”
For more information about the Australian Technical Colleges initiative, visit:
Media Contact:
Mr Hardgrave’s Office: Nikki Voss 0402 896 100
Dept of Education, Science and Training: Clare Gunning 02 6240 7556 The Australian Minister for Vocational and Technical Education, the Hon Gary Hardgrave MP, signed a $15.8 million agreement today to fund an Australian Technical College in Northern Adelaide.The College, to be located in Elizabeth and operated as an independent non-government school, will be operated by the Archdiocese of Adelaide and a consortium of leading industrial and manufacturing companies in the region.The Australian Technical Colleges are a unique concept where Year 11 and 12 students commence an Australian Apprenticeship, while continuing their academic studies within their own dedicated college.“This important initiative has been well received by Northern Adelaide business and industry, and will help to address skills needs and provide opportunities for those in greatest need, including a lot of Indigenous students in the region,’’ Mr Hardgrave said.“The fact that this College is being led by local employers, local government and other key stakeholders, means it will be truly industry and community driven,’’ Mr Hardgrave said.The Australian Technical College – Northern Adelaide will begin taking students in 2007 and offer fully integrated academic and trade training in metals and engineering, building and construction, automotive, electrotechnology and commercial cookery.The Federal Member for Wakefield, Mr David Fawcett MP and the Federal Member for Makin, Mrs Trish Draper MP, welcomed the signing of the agreement.Mr Hardgrave said more than 300 students are expected to be enrolled in the Australian Technical College – Northern Adelaide by 2009.“The Australian Government has committed $343.6 million over five years to establish 25 Australian Technical Colleges around Australia in 24 strategically important industrial and commercial regions,’’ Mr Hardgrave said.“Within the Australian Government’s record $10.8 billion Vocational and Technical Education commitment over the period 2005 to 2008, the Australian Technical Colleges initiative forms a significant part of the Government’s commitment to skill our workers and ensure that Australia’s economy continues to grow for decades to come.”For more information about the Australian Technical Colleges initiative, visit: http://www.australiantechnicalcolleges.gov.au/ Media Contact:Mr Hardgrave’s Office: Nikki Voss 0402 896 100Dept of Education, Science and Training: Clare Gunning 02 6240 7556 Copyright | Disclaimer | Privacy Statement
Australian Minister for Vocational Education and Training, Gary Hardgrave has announced the government will provide AU$15.8 million to establish an Australian Technical College in North Adelaide. The minister said the government was entering into a partnership with the Archdiocese of Adelaide and consortium of industrial and manufacturing companies.

The North Adelaide college will be located in Elizabeth and be operated as an independent non-government school. The college is one of 25 to be established across the country.

Enrolments at the college will begin in 2007 and will offer courses in areas where identified skills shortages exist in the North Adelaide region, specifically - engineering, construction, electronics and cooking.

Mr Hardgrave said that the proposed college had been popular among the North Adelaide business community. “This important initiative has been well received by North Adelaide business and industry, and will help to address skills needs and provide opportunities for those in greatest need, including a lot of Indigenous students in the region," Mr Hardgrave said.

“The fact that this College is being led by local employers, local government and other key stakeholders, means it will be truly industry and community driven," he said.

Australian Technical Colleges were established to cater for year 11 and 12 students who wish to do an apprenticeship as part of their school education. 

The Australian Education Union has expressed a number of concerns about the model put forward by the government. In a report, they claim that trade facilities at TAFE colleges (operated by state governments) will deteriorate as funding is diverted to the ATCs. The union is also concerned that ATCs are supposed to be selective VET schools. According to the union they will have selective entry and preferential funding. It is feared that teachers will be lured away from schools and TAFE colleges to higher paid positions in ATCs.

The Education Union suggested that the government invest in schools that already offer vocational education programs.