The ACT Government is today celebrating the grand opening of the new state-of-the-art Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT) Woden campus.
CIT Woden is part of the ACT Government's $14 billion Infrastructure Plan, ensuring Canberra remains one of the world's most liveable cities as our community grows.
Up to 6,500 students each year are expected to attend CIT Woden, which welcomes students from next Monday, 21 July for the start of Semester 2. Spanning 22,500 square metres across five levels, CIT Woden contains 66 learning spaces that will support 24 different industry areas.
CIT Woden is designed to support the skills Canberra needs now and into the future, with a diverse range of courses in areas such as information technology, cyber security, photography, business, hospitality, hairdressing, creative industries and more. Students and the community can also enjoy amenities like a student-operated restaurant, hair and beauty salon, as well as the vibrant public spaces.
Minister for Skills, Training and Industrial Relations, Michael Pettersson, said the new campus was a game-changer in delivering quality vocational education in the ACT, and has transformed the Woden Town Centre into a vibrant learning hub.
"We promised to deliver a world-class education precinct in Woden, and we've delivered. The training facilities and learning spaces at the new CIT Woden are second to none," Minister Pettersson said.
"Students of all ages are going to love this modern and sustainable facility, and we've already had a lot of positive feedback from CIT staff who are starting to feel right at home in their new surroundings. This is another example of the ACT Government building Canberra's future and providing the next generation with the opportunity to gain the skills needed for their chosen careers."
CIT Woden is a sustainable, environmentally friendly campus. All electric commercial kitchens and training restaurants, as well as an array of solar panels, will help contribute to the ACT Government's goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2045. The main building's structure, floors and architectural finish are crafted from cross-laminated timber and glue-laminated timber sustainably sourced and manufactured in Australia.
Designing with Country has been a guiding principle for the CIT Woden Campus project, from the Brindabellas inspired 'Walking the Ridgeline' façade, to reflecting a silhouette of a 'Mulleun', or wedge-tailed eagle through the 'Oculus' sky light, at the top of level five.
More than 520 local jobs and apprenticeships were created during construction of CIT Woden, while construction partner, Lendlease, provided nearly 8,000 hours of training during construction.
