Generations of Canberrans have learnt their trades, earned their degrees and found their careers on the campuses of the University of Canberra and the Canberra Institute of Technology.

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Yesterday, the University of Canberra, formally proposed how these great institutions become one.

In its submission to the ACT Legislative Assembly inquiry, UC has proposed a merger of organisations as equals.

CIT would remain CIT, keeping its identity, its existing employment conditions and its hands-on way of teaching as a TAFE college within the combined institution. It would have its own academic council, and staff from both institutions would remain on their existing enterprise agreements.

Each institution would keep what makes it great and gain from the strengths of the other.

As a first step, we have recommended that CIT and UC jointly undertake a due diligence assessment for the ACT government within three months, with students, staff, unions, employers and the community helping to shape what comes next.

Ultimately the decision rests with the Assembly and the government, and the University Council agrees with ACT Skills Minister Michael Pettersson that whatever path is chosen must be in the best interests of CIT's and UC's staff, students and community.

The world of work is changing faster than at any point in our lives. Jobs and Skills Australia reported this month that about 93 per cent of employment growth ahead will be in jobs that need a qualification after school, and some 52 professional and 71 technical and trade occupations remain in persistent shortage. Lifelong learning is no longer just nice to have, it is a modern necessity as constant change in the workplace demands refreshed or new skills, and artificial intelligence........

© Canberra Times