Growing demand for skills drives strong start to 2026 at CIT

Over the past few months, a very encouraging trend has emerged at CIT, with early 2026 enrolments now tracking ahead of the same time last year.

This strong start to the year signals growing confidence in vocational education and training (VET) and the value of skills-based pathways.

This isn’t just a number on a dashboard. It reflects something bigger happening across the community, industries, and economy.

Right now, there’s a kind of Venn diagram of opportunity forming around vocational education:

Skills are back in focus
Jobs and Skills Australia has identified that 12 out of 15 of Australia’s most critical skills are delivered through the VET system. A thriving future economy depends on a mix of university and vocational graduates working side-by-side and learners are responding to that message.

Quality is being recognised
New national standards for training providers place an emphasis on quality, not just compliance. This shift aligns directly with CIT’s strengths: deep partnerships, real-world learning, and a relentless focus on outcomes for learners.

Industry needs are changing fast
Our partners are telling us clearly: productivity growth will depend on rapid upskilling and reskilling, especially as technologies like AI reshape how work gets done. One qualification isn’t enough anymore people need flexible, modular, stackable pathways they can build on throughout their careers.

CIT CEO, Dr Margot McNeill is seeing that confidence translate directly into action across the campuses.

“We’ve seen record engagement at Open Day, Twilight Enrolments and Yurauna enrolment events, and strong interest in areas such as the Certificate IV in Building and Construction, which is already trending above last year.

“Our short course programs are also booming with courses like Coffee Basics, Welding Basics for Beginners, and Flowers for Fun selling out and new sessions being added all the time. These “real skills, fast” offerings are helping more Canberrans step into learning in accessible, practical ways.

“There is real momentum building, and CIT is ready to meet it with industry, with community, and with all learners shaping the future of Canberra’s workforce.” Dr Margot McNeill said.

If you’re considering your next career move, or planning how to build skills in your team, now is the time. The opportunity to gain in-demand skills and to contribute to Canberra’s future workforce has never been stronger.

Learn how to apply now.