Flinders University is joining hands with Tonsley Technical College in a collaborative partnership that focuses on innovation.
As part of the collaboration, the Tonsley Technical College will be built in tandem with Flinders University’s Factory of the Future with the project set to open by 2025.
The co-location of the Factory of the Future facility with Tonsley Technical College, according to Vice-Chancellor Professor Colin Stirling, will put South Australia at the forefront of the world in building dynamic industry-related research, education, and training facilities.
“The first of its kind in Australia, Flinders University’s Factory of the Future is a world-class, advanced manufacturing test bed, bringing together industry, education and research to develop vital sovereign capabilities in key sectors including defence and advanced manufacturing,” said the vice-chancellor.
Professor Stirling added that the co-location of the state government’s Technical College with the Factory of the Future will create an exciting environment that showcases to future students the opportunities created for them by nation-building programs.
The university is also expected to continue to ramp up its contributions towards the state’s future workforce requirements in key initiatives like future frigates and nuclear submarines.
The partner school will be the Australian Science and Mathematics School at Flinders University, which will offer a crucial employment pathway for students to finish their SACE while gaining essential vocational skills at Tonsley Technical College.
According to deputy premier Susan Close, it would give senior secondary pupils daily exposure to a variety of satisfying professional options in fields of crucial strategic relevance to South Australia.
“Partnering with Flinders University and the Factory of the Future provides students with a unique and specialised experience,” said Close.
She added the collaboration will allow students to be involved in industry innovation, learn about jobs of the future, as well as train for jobs available once they finish school.
