Noosa's Joanna Dell has gained the confidence to enrol for a Bachelor of Social Work thanks to a foundation program known as STEPS - Skills for Tertiary Education Preparatory Studies.

She was able to study STEPS on campus at CQUniversity Noosa before completing it by distance education.

Joanna Dell took the right 'steps' towards a degree

Ms Dell, who has a background in the hospitality industry, had wanted to do a degree for several years but was doubtful whether she could fit the study around family and work.

"STEPS gave me confidence in myself and my ability to return to study. It has allowed me to realise my potential," she says.

"It has given me a solid foundation for successful university study and a head start for my degree as I know the expectations and have not had to spend time navigating the systems and procedures, which can be overwhelming returning to study after so many years. Things have really changed since I was last in a classroom."

Ms Dell says the enthusiam and encouragement of STEPS staff have reignited her love for learning.

"I started with just a vague idea of what undergraduate course I wanted to do and the Uni staff guided me giving me invaluable advice on career outcomes etc so I was able to explore all possibilities."

The next STEPs testing sessions (for 2013 Term 2 entry) will be held at the Bundaberg, Brisbane, Gladstone, Mackay, Noosa and Rockhampton campuses on May 8. Details are via www.cqu.edu.au/steps .