Prospective students gathered at Bundaberg’s CQUniversity open day, which provided information on courses and gave an insight into potential careers.
Bundaberg Regional Council staff were out in force to let up-and-coming students know what options for employment are available after gaining a university degree.
Talent specialist Jacob Berwick said it was a good turn-out and the Council was involved because it’s one of the biggest employers in the Bundaberg Region.
“We have a really strong relationship with CQU and we would like to expand that, while also telling the community there are varyious roles the Council has,” Jacob said.
“We have a team of 900 strong and we definitely have a career path for most people.
“So whether you’re new to the workforce or need a change there are options out there either through CQU or the Council.”
Biggest attendance to date
CQUniversity vice-chancellor Luke Sinclair said it was the biggest attendance for any of the open days and the event was about involving the community members to let them know what’s available.
“We wanted to be able to provide a link to industry and let people know we can be the vehicle from education and training to industry,” he said.
“We want to give people an idea of what they can study here locally and where it can take them.
“We are from Certificate I right through to PHD; a lot of people don’t know we provide TAFE and VET qualifications.”
Mr Sinclair said nursing and education had two of the biggest enrolments each year, but there were other avenues into agriculture and the STEPS program which helped people gain the skills needed to attend university.
STEPS a pathway to university
STEPS coordinator Herna Conradie said the open day was about making prospective students aware of what pathways are available or to refresh their skills if they’re thinking about going to university next year.
“The message I would really like to get across is that people shouldn’t be scared to attend university,” Herna said.
“In the past university has been seen to be only for the smartest of the smart, but persistence beats brilliance and I want people to know there are many options and STEPS is one of these and is for anyone who wants to work hard.”
Herna said the CQUniversity open day had people of all ages check out the Bundaberg campus and it was a good turnout.
“Many times during Year 12, students may drop the ball or change their direction and the STEPS program will help them get back to their goal,” she said.
“STEPS offers a variety of skills that you can use in everyday life.”
Year 12 students from Maryborough had travelled to Bundaberg to check out what the university would offer.
Tayah Stevens and James Tidy are both looking to tackle physiotherapy and said the Bundaberg campus had more to offer than universities closer to home.
“With the new hospital coming it’s exciting knowing that its in the works,” Tayah said.
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