The Australian Minister for Vocational and Technical Education Gary Hardgrave, visited Port Augusta recently to sign the funding agreement for the new college.

Port Augusta Mayor Joy Baluch, was joined by Mayors Jim Pollock of Whyalla and Geoff Brock of Port Pirie, Bishop Eugene Hurley of the Port Pirie Diocese and Member for Grey Barry Wakelin.

Leaders of local TAFEs, councils, schools and universities were at the ceremony along with key figures from local industry and the regional directors of both the Catholic and State education sector.

Char of the Australian Technical College Board, Greg Clothier, said he was delighted to see the college finally receive its funding.

"The expansion of the Australian School-based Apprenticeship program is just what industry has been seeking," he said.

"It will enable students in Years 1 and 12 to experience 48 weeks a year of vocational training and larger block release times while still completing their schooling."

The college's inaugural principal, Damien Judd, is also excited about the unique function and purpose of the college and the fact it is governed by local industry.

Allan Tidswell, Manager of Human Resources of Ones Steel said the company is just one of many in the region currently experiencing trade shortages.

They have recently undertaken a campaign to recruit qualified trades people from overseas while also looking to start an apprentice-training program in partnership with TAFE SA.

"The Australian Technical College is a significant venture for not only young people but also industry," he said.

"The program will enable industry to recruit young people who not only have already completed a significant portion of their apprenticeship before leafing school but who are also motivated to be in a trade."

He encouraged all companies to get behind the program.

So far the Australian Government has committed more than $10.8 billion to vocational and technical education in Australia.

Anyone wanting to find out more information about the college should ring 1300 783 440.