CIT finalists in ACT Training Awards

Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT) is proud to be represented in 15 finalist nominations for the 2023 ACT Training Awards, highlighting CIT's excellence in teaching, student experience and industry collaboration.

The ACT Training Awards celebrate the outstanding achievements of the territory's vocational education and training (VET) sector, with a ceremony to be held at the National Museum of Australia, Canberra, on 14 September 2023.

CIT commends its staff, students and industry partners who are finalists in the following categories:

• Amy Nussio, Allied Health Assistance, ACT VET Teacher of the Year finalist
• Emma Gorrell, Hairdressing and Barbering, ACT VET Teacher of the Year finalist
• Peter Redfern-Elliot, Hospitality, Culinary, Tourism, ACT VET Teacher of the Year finalist
• Tony Cowlishaw, Building Construction Management, Engineering and Design, ACT VET Teacher of the Year finalist
• Alisa Pasquariello, Building and Construction, ACT Vocational Student of the Year finalist
• Julie Stanker, Business, ACT Vocational Student of the Year finalist
• Tayyaba Muhammad, Commercial Cookery, ACT VET Student of the Year finalist
• Jessica Blowfield, Hairdressing, ACT Apprentice of the Year finalist
• Nathan Uren, Electrotechnology Electrician, ACT Apprentice of the Year finalist
• Ruby Rounds, Early Childhood Education and Care, ACT Trainee of the Year finalist
• Poppy Chalmers, Allied Health Assistance, ACT Australian School-based Apprentice of the Year finalist
• Kyah Simpson, Business, ACT Australian School-based Apprentice of the Year finalist
• Emma Brown, Indigenous Apprenticeship Program (IAP) with CIT Solutions, ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander VET Student of the Year finalist
• Women in Construction Program (Lendlease Construction ACT, Australian Training Company, Ginninderry SPARK, Creative Safety Initiative and CIT collaboration), ACT Industry Collaboration finalist
• CIT, ACT Large Training Provider of the Year finalist

CIT Interim CEO Christine Robertson said CIT's representation across multiple award categories demonstrated the importance of a holistic approach to vocational education and training.

"These award nominations reflect CIT's excellence and relevance in teaching and training in the ACT, our dedication to student services and career pathways, and our strong connection with industry and local business. This holistic and collaborative approach to vocational education and training is essential to building the ACT's thriving workforce right now, and into the future," Ms Robertson said.

"These CIT finalists tell a fantastic story about the complete journey involved in vocational education and training. All four of our staff selected as finalists in Teacher of the Year category are either still working flexibly within industry, or have transitioned their vast experience in industry to become passionate, supportive and valuable mentors for the next generation of students.

"The Women in Construction program is an incredible example of collaboration between industry, Government and education to make genuine change and create real jobs. The program is addressing the under-representation of women in building and construction, and every single one of the 15 initial students have graduated to paid traineeships or further study. Some of them are working directly with Lendlease on construction of our new state-of-the-art CIT Woden campus, due to open in 2025.

"This is an exciting period of evolution for the CIT and, in our 95^th year, it's a credit to all our staff that the Institute continues to progress and be recognised for our important role in growing the ACT region's workforce, economy and prosperity."