No. 86

BUILDING CIT’S PRESENCE IN CANBERRA FOR THE FUTURE

The 2007-08 Budget continues its strong commitment to Vocational Education and Training (VET), with $61.072 million in recurrent funding for the Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT), growing to $65.672 million in 2010-11. Capital and repairs and maintenance funding of $5.5 million has also been committed in this Budget.

“The CIT is the largest provider of VET in the ACT, offering industry-accredited training in a dynamic and welcoming environment that has particular relevance to the training needs of our community,” Minister for Education and Training, Andrew Barr, said.

“This Budget continues the Government’s commitment to CIT and sees the Government supporting CIT’s aim to further develop its presence across Canberra.”

Mr Barr said in addition to the Government’s $60.7 million commitment for a joint College campus and CIT presence in Gungahlin, the 2007-08 Budget provided further funding for CIT to develop opportunities for its students and Canberra.

“Students will benefit from $4.5 million in funding that will go toward the upgrade of facilities and new student resources across CIT,” Mr Barr said.

“CIT campus facilities will be renovated with upgrades to security, heating and cooling, floor coverings and water saving devices – in line with the Government’s commitment to environmental and sustainable outcomes.

“Student learning experiences will continue to be improved with funding provided for new educational equipment such as computer laboratories, E-learning resources, wireless technology and other industry specific teaching and learning resources.

Mr Barr said the Government and CIT had a strong vision for the future development and provision of the best possible vocational education and training facilities in the ACT.  

“Work has already commenced on ensuring a CIT presence as part of the $60.7 million Gungahlin College and on a Master Plan for the future redevelopment of the CIT Reid Campus,” he said.

“CIT involvement at the new $54 million Kambah P-10 school in Tuggeranong will be examined and this Budget’s commitment to a $1 million feasibility study and forward design for a new horticultural facility at Bruce continues this Government’s record of positive actions for Canberra’s training future.”