Gladstone's Benita Pintus has cleared the first hurdle on her way to a medical career, after years working in the retail sector.

The mother-of-three was among 29 students who recently completed their STEPS preparatory course at CQUniversity Gladstone Campus, and she was one of seven students* to receive bursaries in the form of $100 bookshop vouchers.

Benita Pintus (right) receives her STEPS completion certificate from Gladstone Region Mayor Gail Sellers. Thanks to Stephen Mills Photographer

Benita is now topping up her skills through CQUniversity's WIST (Women into Science & Technology) program, so she's prepared to take on a Medical Science degree. Her ultimate aim is to qualify to work as a pathologist.

"Having to juggle family, kids' sports training events and study was a challenge, yet having a supportive husband, family and friends made it possible for me to focus on STEPS," she says.

"I left high school prior to completing senior level, then worked in retail for several years before marrying, starting a family and becoming a stay at home mum. Once all my children had commenced school it was time to evaluate, and with the inspiration from a friend's achievements, I discovered STEPS.  STEPS has given me the skills, knowledge and confidence to undertake further tertiary level courses."

STEPS (Skills for Tertiary Entrance Preparatory Studies) is, as the name suggests, a preparatory course for people considering tertiary study.  It is aimed at mature-age students who either did not complete secondary study, or did so a number of years ago. Completing STEPS enhances applicants' chances of tertiary acceptance and gives its students a range of generic skills that will make them very competitive undergraduates.

STEPS students study mathematics, academic writing, computing and various tertiary preparation skills.  There is a constant focus on the nature of adult learning and on lifelong learning.  A number of study modes are available both during the day and in the evening.  The only restrictions on enrolment are that the applicants must be Australian citizens or permanent residents, and that they must be 18 years of age when they start the course.

The next information/testing session for STEPS at CQUniversity Gladstone is scheduled for Tuesday November 15. Interested people should contact CQUniversity Gladstone either in person or by phone 4970 7277 as soon as possible. There will be two sessions: 9:30am-1pm and 5:30pm-9pm.

• Winners of the Rotary Club of South Gladstone Youth Bursary included Tiana Dahl and Anthony Proctor. Winners of the Rotary Club of Gladstone Youth Bursary included Julie White and Linda Mills. Winners of the Gladstone Regional Council Bursary included Benita Pintus, Michelle Chuck and Emma Sheppard.