CIT recognised at ACT Training Awards

CIT was recognised at the ACT Training Awards last Thursday night as two students claimed major awards.

Diploma of Nursing graduate Caitlin Carter was recognised as the ACT Vocational Student of the Year while Diploma of Government graduate Mickyia Glover was named ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year.

Caitlin's journey to nursing was inspired by a deeply personal experience. While serving in the Royal Australian Navy as a dental assistant, she experienced healthcare from the patient's perspective and was profoundly impacted by the compassion and professionalism of the medics who cared for her during a period of illness.

As a single mother and Navy veteran, Caitlin returned to study at CIT through the Fee-Free TAFE initiative, completing her Diploma of Nursing in 2025.

"It took me a second to realise it was my name that they called out," Caitlin said. "I was very honoured."

"My studies at CIT have helped me become the nurse that I am today."

Diploma of Government graduate Mickyia Glover was recognised as the ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year.

Speaking to the Canberra Times, Mickyia said the award was a shock but one she was very grateful for.

"I'm very shocked. I'm very grateful," Mickyia said. "I feel blessed to have so much support from my family and CIT was nothing but helpful."

Meanwhile the Industry Collaboration Award recognised the 2025 SPARK Construction Taster Program for Migrants and Refugees, a partnership between CIT, Ginninderry, The Umbrella Collective, UnitingCare Kippax, Neoen, Multicultural Hub Canberra, Workforce Australia and a range of industry partners.

Developed to address skills shortages in the construction and renewable energy sectors while supporting migrants and refugees into meaningful employment, the program combined accredited training, industry exposure, work experience and intensive wrap-around support.

CIT was also named ACT Large Training Provider of the Year.

List of CIT Winners

Vocational Student of the Year – Caitlin Carter (Diploma of Nursing)

ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year – Mickyia Glover (Diploma of Government)

Industry Collaboration - 2025 SPARK Construction Taster Program for Migrants and Refugees

Large Training Provider – Canberra Institute of Technology

All CIT Finalists

VET Teacher of the Year

Peter Redfern-Elliot (Hospitality)

Australian School-based Apprentice (ASBA) of the Year

Riley Meli (Certificate III in Plumbing - General Plumber and Roofing)

Apprentice of the Year

Ashley Dobson (Certificate III in Electronics and Communications)

Luke Grallelis (Certificate III in Electronics and Communications)

Sam Mehan (Certificate III in Electronics and Communications)

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year

Chelsea Lee Harris (Diploma of Government) - Runner Up

Rowena King (Diploma of Government)

Jake Hampstead (Diploma of Government)

Grahame Alvarez (Diploma of Government)

Industry Collaboration

Canberra Institute of Technology and Transport Canberra Partnership (EV TAFE Centre of Excellence)