Director of CIT Technology and Design, Fiona Dace-Lynn said the qualifications, to be delivered from a specially purposed CIT Renewable Energy Skills Centre of Excellence, would fill a market gap and provide technical training for maintaining and operating renewable wind technologies.
The Centre of Excellence will be developed in partnership with the Neoen-owned Hornsdale Wind Farm, and its local partner Megawatt Capital Investments, recently awarded 50 per cent of the ACT Government's wind auction tender to supply wind energy to the ACT.
The Centre of Excellence will enable live monitoring of the 100 plus wind turbines at the farm, and students will also be able to work with large components of the turbines at the centre to ensure they are well-prepared for the realities of the job.
Ms Dace-Lynn said the centre was expected to attract students from Canberra, interstate and abroad, appealing to new learners and people wishing to upskill.
She said the announcement had "significant implications" for CIT and for the ACT.
"Wind energy is a rapidly growing multinational industry. For people with the right qualifications and skills in maintaining and servicing turbines, the sky will be the limit in terms of career opportunities," she said.
Ms Dace-Lynn said the study opportunities presented by the CIT Renewable Energy Skills Centre of Excellence would be very attractive, not just because of the first-class facilities and training, but also because there were some great financial assistance options available.
"There will be 30 scholarships of 5,000 each funded by Neoen available each year that students can apply for, and a rental supplement for students from interstate," she said.
"Eligible students will be able to apply for the study now, pay later option VET FEE-HELP for any diploma level study."
All students will also participate in an on-the-job training component at the Neoen Hornsdale Wind Farm, funded by the Centre of Excellence.
