A 29-year-old Rockhampton student, Brendan Motley was among 70 students looking to kickstart a new career who recently completed their Skills for Tertiary Education Preparatory Studies (STEPS) program at CQUniversity.

Having been away from a classroom for some years, Mr Motley decided to freshen up his academic skills through the STEPS program before enrolling in the University's new paramedic science program.

Brendan receives his STEPS completion certificate from Executive Dean Professor Kevin TickleHis decision to return to study has not been made lightly as Mr Motley already has a successful career as a chef. As the head chef at Rockhampton's Ginger Mule restaurant he recently entered The Morning Bulletin's ‘Cook-Off' and took out the second place. He said the competition was a great way to gain some exposure for his restaurant.

Cooking was something that always excited Mr Motley, even as a young boy.

"I decided to pursue this career around grade seven, when I was given the opportunity to cook with special needs children. I liked the reaction when you cooked something for someone and you could see the enjoyment on their faces when they tasted it," Mr Motley said.

Inspired also by Jamie Oliver and Gordon Ramsay, the chef of 13 years still has plans to open a new extension to the Ginger Mule restaurant soon.

Even so, a change is as good as a holiday, and Mr Motley will soon have his head in the books as he works towards a life as a paramedic.

"A few years ago, I was the first on the scene to a few minor accidents in Brisbane. After, I was quizzed by the ambulance officers if I had done this before; I thought maybe I should.

"I did not take much notice of that at the time; however it planted a seed that is in the process of being sown," he said.

Mr Motley has ambitions of one day working in search and rescue, or becoming a paramedic on a rescue helicopter.