StPatsTech commended in national awards

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St Patrick’s Technical College has received a commendation from the National Growth Areas Alliance (NGAA) during their Growth that Works congress held in Adelaide this month.  The specialist trades and technical College, operated by Catholic Education SA, was recognised for ‘Developing Apprenticeship Skills in Northern Adelaide’.

The commendation was awarded in the ‘Skills Development’ category of the inaugural NGAA Awards which recognises ‘projects or actions that provide skills for the jobs of the future’ in outer metropolitan growth areas.

The commendation from the judges reads:

St Patrick’s Technical College provides students with placements into the industry sectors of their choice and curriculum that is tailored for industry needs. A significant number of students have been successful in gaining an apprenticeship, helping to address skill development needs for the Northern Adelaide region. The College has been recognised as an exemplar for the development of skills in young people resulting in trade apprenticeships, particularly those in skills shortage areas. The judging panel particularly wanted to recognise:

  • the enduring commitment to VET in schools and successfully embedding the model into school frameworks;
  • the strong demonstrated outcomes;
  • that it is a model of successful brokerage between schools and industry.

NGAA Chair and City of Playford Mayor, Glenn Docherty said, “These awards are part of the Growth that Works Congress being held in Adelaide. This event has provided expert input to help us examine how to open up the opportunities and jobs of the future in outer metropolitan growth areas. Our aim is to end the ‘drive in drive out’ phenomenon and create more productive and liveable cities. These areas currently house 4 million residents. 1 million jobs are needed by 2026 just to maintain the status quo. The awards show what we are capable of. We want to build on these successes to become the ‘go to’ areas for innovation and showcases for Growth That Works.”

The National Growth Areas Alliance represents 25 of Australia’s fastest growing municipalities. While individual circumstances may differ, all NGAA member councils share the common characteristic of growth and the need to deal with the social, physical and planning challenges that come with it.

On receiving the commendation, St Patrick’s Technical College Principal, Mr Rob Thomas commented that, “St Patrick’s is proud to call Northern Adelaide home and seeks to be an active contributor to the positive education, training and employment growth in the region.”