CIT’s new Woden campus takes a unique approach to cater for learners of today and the workforce of tomorrow. Photo: CIT Woden.
The wait for CIT’s new Woden campus is over, with staff already settled in and students set to start semester two next week.
The new “vertical” campus ushers in a new era of cross-disciplinary learning, collaboration and community in the ACT, according to new CEO Dr Margot McNeill.
“CIT has a critical role in the ACT and nationally. One of my priorities is working to ensure CIT leverages this new building to position us for success in reimagining vocational education,” she said.
“The campus is a flagship for how infrastructure renewal can uplift culture, empower staff and embed inclusive design into service delivery.”
Dr McNeill said the purpose-built multi-storey campus — the first major infrastructure investment under CIT’s 10-year strategy — embodied the Institute’s core values of belonging, connection, excellence, integrity and wellbeing.
From cyber labs to the training restaurant and bakery, soundproof music rooms to a green screen media studio, the facilities cater for the learners of today and the workforce of tomorrow.
But one of the most future-forward features is the design of the building itself, which Dr McNeill said would transform how teachers teach, and students learn.
“Often learners are siloed into their disciplinary areas. This campus is designed so students can learn in the same kinds of environments they’ll work in, but also in previously separated disciplines,” she said.
“For instance, fashion and design or traditional trades students can collaborate with business students, so when they go out into the world, if they end up setting up their own business, they’ll have had exposure to some of the skills needed.
“Decades of research about good learning and teaching practices tell us that to be successful in their future careers, students need not just to develop the technical skills typical of their qualification, but broader skills like collaboration, problem-solving and communication.”
Breakout spaces and flexible classrooms are complemented by dedicated public-facing venues like a hair and beauty bar and the student-run restaurant, designed to welcome the local community in and create stronger ties between CIT and the public.
Cultural motifs throughout the campus act like a “call to action”, inviting those who walk the halls to reflect on how the collective and individuals can contribute to reconciliation and cultural respect.
The staff are already in, and students start at the new “vertical” campus in semester two, 2025. Photo: Woden CIT.
Dr McNeill said thanks to some hard yards from CIT’s Interim CEO Christine Robertson and her team, the logistical feat of transitioning from CIT’s long-serving Reid campus to Woden was strategically staged to maintain continuity of teaching and support services during the design, build and relocation.
Now the immediate challenge would be adapting to the new vertical design.
“It’s a unique challenge and also an opportunity. It’s different, and that brings some logistical considerations into the mix, but enables dynamic interactions and movement between different cohorts of students, staff, industry and the local community. That’s something we’re excited to embrace,” Dr McNeill said.
“We’re in the process of embedding new ways of working as we get used to that space but we have dedicated onboarding and support services to ensure that transition is as smooth as possible.
“It’s motivating and inspiring.”
It’s early days but the move has already positively transformed the working experience for staff.
Dr McNeill said staff were “genuinely excited” to work in a purpose-built, modern space that supported innovation — and she was no exception.
“This is a career highlight for me, both inspiring and humbling. This is a rare opportunity to help shape this building and how we deliver training into the future. I am a mix of excited to learn about CIT — which is an organisation with such strong foundations — but also motivated by new initiatives like our 10-year strategy and cloud campus,” she said.
The campus now awaits students, who will commence on Monday 21 July.
“We anticipate that when our students arrive, they’ll be energised by a wonderful new working and learning environment that will feel fresh, modern and connected to the real world, with facilities that mirror the kinds of environments they’ll be working in their future careers,” Dr McNeill said.
“They can also expect a strong sense of community and support from day one.”
For more information, visit CIT Woden.
