St Patrick's Technical College

We are unique. St Patrick’s Technical College (StPatsTech) is a purpose built trade school in Edinburgh North, South Australia, offering a trade relevant SACE curriculum and apprenticeship pathways to Year 10-12 students. Since opening in 2007, the College has brought together vocational education and senior schooling with industry and employers to provide clear post-school career pathways for young people. The College is closely partnered with and guided by industry. Our main charter is to assist students in completing senior secondary school while concurrently undertaking vocational education and training (VET) studies either at school or with an employer, through an apprenticeship or traineeship. StPatsTech is challenging the perception that VET pathways are somehow “less than” university pathways and, as a result, changing the lives of its students. We are a VET school offering fully integrated and contextualised VET courses and apprenticeships/traineeships in conjunction with the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE). From our educational model and to the expansive work experience program, we have a primary focus on helping students flourish through apprenticeships, traineeships and study pathways. The SACE curriculum at the College has been developed specifically to support the pre-vocational training. Our educational model allows for the complete integration of SACE with VET with core subjects taught in a way that makes them relevant to each specific trade program. These subjects have been developed with direct input from industry and in association with TAFE SA. The College offers eight pre-apprenticeship VET programs, including Automotive, Construction, Electrotechnology, Food & Hospitality, Hair & Beauty, Information Technology, Metals & Engineering, and Plumbing. The establishment of long-term partnerships between industry, schools and tertiary education providers, affords students the opportunity to engage with the world of work.