The Governance of St Patrick’s Technical College is overseen by a Board of Directors comprising representatives from industry and Catholic Education SA.
This industry leadership is unique in schools and serves to greatly enhance our trade programs and create opportunities for our students to enter the world of employment in their chosen field.
Board Members
Rhys Ferrari
Chair
BAE Systems
Rhys is a former student of the College having graduated in 2016 and receiving the prestigious Max Davids Award. Commencing a school-based apprenticeship as a student of St Patrick’s Technical College, Rhys went on to complete his apprenticeship with a Diploma of Electronics and Communications Engineering and was awarded the Chairperson’s Award from Ai Group Apprentice and Trainee Centre for the most outstanding apprentice for 2019. Rhys has eight years of electronics trade experience in the defence sector working with BAE Systems Australia.
Eager to give back to the College that set him up for success, Rhys is passionate about the education and motivation for students at the College. He wants to ensure students have the best possible opportunities and environment to thrive and reach their full potential.
Tania Materne
Deputy Chair
Barossa Physiotherapy
Tania has over 35 years’ experience in the Health industry as a Physiotherapist and owned her own business in the Barossa Valley for more than 26 of those. Essentially self-taught in business management, she has ridden the waves of financial, global, personnel and stress challenges and built a thriving, sustainable business.
Tania is an active member of the community, sitting on various boards and committees over the years and volunteering her time over several projects. Learning how hard business can be, she has a passion for youth and start-up businesses, as well as seeing women flourish in their chosen career.
Tania has been an avid supporter of St Patrick’s Technical College since its inception, recently having a son complete his schooling at the College and delights in its successes and growth. She is particularly excited to watch the development of Health courses and more avenues for women to participate.
Lauren Conceicao
Skills Frontier
Lauren is a workforce policy and planning specialist with extensive experience across government, industry, and the education and training sectors. She is the Founder and Managing Director at Skills Frontier, providing strategic advice on skills development, vocational education and training (VET), and workforce planning, with a focus on the apprenticeships, defence and construction industries.
Lauren has held executive leadership roles including CEO of the National Apprentice Employment Network, senior positions at TAFE NSW, and economic development leadership within the NSW Government. She has delivered strategic advice to national and international clients including Jobs and Skills Australia, MEGT Australia, and the UK-based Chartered Institute for Further Education.
Lauren is passionate about creating strong, industry-relevant training pathways for young people and is committed to supporting the skills development needs of students in northern Adelaide.
Michael Hooper
Spitwater SA
Michael is CEO of Spitwater SA and Director of Spitwater NSW. Spitwater is a family orientated business specialising in the sales, service, and repairs of Australian made industrial cleaning equipment which is manufactured by parent company Ottico from its factory in Albury NSW.
Michael started with Spitwater 30 years ago in a sales role which developed into share holder and CEO / Director, and now employs more than 45 people in SA & NSW combined. Michael believes in creating a positive work environment whilst running a profitable and successful business that prides itself on quality products and exceptional service and support.
Michael brings to the College Board strategic planning and execution and enjoys creating bespoke solutions for customer’s problems and requests.
In his spare time, Michael enjoys a nice red or you will find him out on his boat catching fish with his family and friends.
Glen Winkler
Ignition Source
Glen is a senior business and technology consultant with deep expertise in digital transformation, IT strategy, and organisational change. He is the founder of Ignition Source, where he supports businesses, not-for-profits, and government agencies to drive performance through innovative technology solutions and business optimisation.
Glen’s previous roles include senior executive positions at RDNS (Royal District Nursing Service) where he led ICT and contact centre operations, and Partner and Director at KPMG, where he contributed significantly to the firm’s growth and leadership before retiring from partnership.
He brings extensive board experience and a strong commitment to youth development through education. He was a Founding Director of the Building Brighter Futures Foundation and has held board roles with Motor Neurone Disease SA and Muscular Dystrophy SA. Glen is passionate about preparing young people for the digital economy and continues to mentor and advocate for educational opportunities that empower future generations.
Our Vision
To be at the forefront of vocational education, nurturing the next generation of industry leaders dedicated to shaping a better world.
Our Mission
St Patrick’s Technical College inspires students for success in their first career. Through a dynamic and innovative learning model grounded in Catholic social teaching and informed by industry, we create exceptional and work ready young adults.