Boyne Island's Shauna Castle has worked as a childcare group leader and kindergarten teacher's aide, but thanks to CQUniversity's STEPS* program she's now looking to make the most of the Gladstone industrial region on her doorstep.

Shauna says she's now keen to work in a workplace health and safety team connected with one of the industrial enterprises in the port city.

Shauna accepts her STEPS completion certificate from Vice-Chancellor Professor Scott Bowman. Photo courtesy Craig Chapman Photography

She has arranged to take introductory Biology and Chemistry courses through the University's WIST* program, before enrolling in a Bachelor of Environmental Health degree in 2011.

Shauna was this week among students celebrating completion of their STEPS program based at CQUniversity Gladstone Campus.

"Completing the STEPS program has been one of the most rewarding experiences in my life. I have gained self confidence, along with valuable skills that will assist me in my future studies. I can not thank the STEPS lecturers enough for their amazing support during this course; they truly are amazing people," she said.

[*STEPS is Skills for Tertiary Education Preparatory Studies while WIST stands for Women Into Science and Technology.]

STEPS is a FREE 13/26 week program designed to prepare applicants for university study and is available in day or evening classes, full-time or part-time. Next information and assessment sessions in Gladstone for programs starting in 2011: Tuesday November 16 (9:30am-1pm OR 5:30-8:30pm). For further information or registration visit our website http://steps.cqu.edu.au/ or phone CQUniversity 4970 7277.

Bettina Gray accepts her certificate. Photo courtesy Craig Chapman Photography  
Tracey Weber-Hansen accepts her certificate. Photo courtesy Craig Chapman Photography