Workspace2580 on Clinton Street will now offer diplomas of sports development and project management as the CIT moves to provide its courses outside of the ACT. 

CIT business and market engagement officer Catherina Pappas said the district had lacked opportunity for a diverse range of subjects, but could now benefit from a greater diversity as well as local educators.

“There’s a need to keep training local in Goulburn,” Ms Pappas said.

“We’d like to work with Workspace2580 and the community to bridge that gap, especially for young students, but also all [of the] community.

“They can get personal and career progression training, which can lead to degrees offered through the Country University Centre in Goulburn.” 

The diplomas, which usually cost $1950 per student, would be reduced to $1350 each.

Their delivery would be a mix of face-to-face sessions and online learning in Workspace2580 after-hours.

The pilot modules, which will run for about 40 weeks, would be “adaptable” for students, Ms Pappas said.

Businesses could also nominate staff and would have the option to access financial government incentives. 

Workspace2580 project coordinator Dr Ursula Stephens said a conversation with Goulburn Mulwaree Council general manager Warwick Bennett had helped decide the chosen courses.

“He spoke about major infrastructure projects such as the redevelopment of the aquatic centre and said project management skills were valuable and transferable skills,” Dr Stephens said. 

She cited the city’s enthusiasm for and focus on sports. A diploma of sports development could appeal to youth in a gap year or entry level position, and help keep young women engaged in the sports sector.

Goulburn Chamber of Commerce president Mark Bradbury said the chamber supported strategies that developed and retained transferable skills in the district.

Local delivery of professional development and training made those opportunities “more accessible to small business people who may not be able to take the time out to travel,” Mr Bradbury said. 

He encouraged local businesses to support the pilot program and contact the CIT to discuss training needs. 

“The potential for small businesses to upskill their mature workers is an important opportunity for Goulburn,” he said. 

“The federal government is providing financial incentives to businesses to help them keep their staff skills up-to-date.

“This pilot program can lead to many new and different opportunities for other training in the future.”

An information session on the CIT program will be held on Wednesday, January 31 at Workspace2580.