The Training and Capacity Development Program (TaCDP) is a core pillar of the Centre, designed to systematically build the skills, knowledge, and connections needed to accelerate climate‑resilient water outcomes in practice. It brings researchers and industry together through an integrated learning ecosystem that strengthens both specialist expertise and the “translation” capabilities required to navigate complex, uncertain and multi‑stakeholder water systems.
The TaCDP takes an active, industry‑connected and problem‑based approach to learning. It supports PhD students and postdoctoral researchers to design and deliver impactful, industry‑engaged research, while enabling water professionals and organisations to engage directly with Centre research in ways that build practical decision‑making capability. Rather than treating training as a one‑off activity, the program fosters ongoing learning across research, industry and policy communities.
Together, the TaCDP components form a coherent pathway that builds individual capability, strengthens organisational capacity, and supports sector‑wide learning and innovation — all aligned to the Centre’s mission to develop the people, knowledge and partnerships needed to transform Australia’s water systems for a climate-resilient future.
Core Skills Program
The Core Skills Program builds the foundational capabilities needed to lead and translate climate‑resilient water research into impact. Delivered through a suite of micro‑credentialled offerings, it develops relational, systems, leadership and communication skills essential for effective industry‑engaged research and sectoral innovation.
Industry Placement Program (PhD students)
Centre PhD students are embedded within partner organisations as a core part of their research, enabling deep engagement with real‑world challenges and decision contexts. These extended industry placements strengthen research relevance, translation, and impact while building future leaders with first‑hand industry experience.
Community of Practice
The Centre Community of Practice (CoP) provides a trusted, peer‑to‑peer forum for researchers and professionals to collectively explore complex, unresolved climate‑resilient water challenges. Through interactive online and in‑person events, CoPs support shared sense‑making, cross‑sector learning, and the development of durable professional networks.
Industry Training Program
The Industry Training Program responds directly to workforce capability needs across the water sector, offering modular, practice‑oriented training aligned with Centre research themes. Informed by regular industry needs assessments, it supports professionals to make robust, defensible decisions under uncertainty while aligning climate‑resilient actions with organisational priorities.
Training Bank
The Training Bank is a curated, online hub of practical resources, case studies, training materials, and insights to support climate‑resilient water practice. It underpins flexible learning and ongoing engagement, connecting sector professionals with relevant knowledge, expertise, and opportunities as they emerge.