Capricorn Coast family man Cain Brinkley has made the first step in advancing his career in the engineering sector.

He has recently completed CQUniversity's Lift program which has been designed to bridge the education gap for mature age students wanting to change or advance in their careers.

Cain Brinkley is getting set to study engineering next year.As a branch manager of an electrical engineering firm, Cain enjoys his workplace and the industry. However, his education qualifications have proven problematic to career advancement.

"I needed to get the qualifications behind me so I can move forward in an engineering industry career," Mr Brinkley explained.

"Lift proved invaluable in giving me the confidence and skills I needed to begin a university degree.

"The program helped me understand the university environment and get a foundation in maths and study skills."

Lift is a free 13-week program offered by distance study to help students meet the requirements to apply for university study.

Mr Brinkley said family life was often very hectic so routine played an important part in his study success.

On completion of an extension maths program this term, Mr Brinkley hopes to enrol in the Bachelor of Engineering Technology program.

He intends on studying part-time while maintaining his full-time job at the engineering firm.