ANDREW Barr says the new CIT campus in the Tuggeranong town centre is a boost for local residents and businesses, with the institute set to bring hundreds of students and teachers into the area from this month.

“I was pleased to join Minister Fitzharris to see the culmination of a $10.7 million investment – a commitment from ACT Labor at the 2012 election, for the Tuggeranong Valley with a fantastic new learning environment,” Andrew said.

“The facility, funded under the 2015–16 ACT Budget, will help boost activity and opportunity in the Tuggeranong Valley, supporting local jobs with cutting-edge learning facilities.

“My Government is committed to supporting all our town centres, such as the relocation of over 1,000 ACT Government staff to Woden, our investment in infrastructure upgrades in Belconnen, the opening of a new government directorate in the Gungahlin town centre and now the opening of a CIT campus right in the heart of Tuggeranong.

“This investment also highlights the ACT Government’s commitment to providing better education facilities for all Canberrans – from early childhood education right through to our tertiary education sector. One in every nine Canberrans either work or study at one of our tertiary education institutions, and it’s crucial that the ACT Government continues supporting organisations such as CIT to counter the constant attacks on our economy from the Federal Liberal Government.

“The new CIT centre will cater for up to 600 students per year, in areas such as business, early childhood education, vocational pathways and bookkeeping. The centre will also offer a wide range of professional short courses including computing skills, writing skills and management skills.”

Meegan Fitzharris says the courses will strengthen CIT’s delivery of VET across Canberra as a key component of the local tertiary education landscape.

“Our strong economy is built on the diverse skills and knowledge of local people. Local students will now be able to learn or upskill in a number of key areas of skills need, and advance their knowledge in business operations to grow and diversify the services in our city.

“With a focus on business and innovation, the campus will also assist budding entrepreneurs and young or new directors of local businesses to develop their ideas and the skills they need to flourish.

“The courses will support the complete learning cycle, with training and qualifications in foundation skills such as literacy and numeracy, full qualifications for career starters or changers, and short programs to help people return to work or take their career further.

“CIT Tuggeranong is not just a space for individual learning. The layout, the ICT capabilities and the high-spec facilities really encourage students to engage in collaborative ideas development and information sharing.

“I expect it will become a valuable meeting place for entrepreneurs, learners, businesses and young leaders from across Canberra and across learning institutions.”

The Canberra community is invited to view the new facility at a grand opening event on Saturday 30 July, 10am–2pm. Find out more at cit.edu.au/tuggeranong.

The CIT Strategic Compass 2020 – Evolving Together is available here: cit.edu.au/about/publications