Faculty of Arts, Business, Informatics and Education Bachelor of Learning Management (BLM)  students recently celebrated the approaching end of a long road, which will culminate in their graduation in October...
Practicum coordinator Steve Millan

The convivial gathering by the BBQ, held at the Dreamtime Cultural Centre attracted 29 students. Also in attendance were   Pro-Vice-Chancellor  and  Executive Dean of the Faculty, Professor  Kevin Tickle, and lecturers from the School of Learning & Innovation... 

Professor Tickle said the event rounded off a very busy four year Program, "It's an opportunity to congratulate the students and to say goodbye and good luck." On behalf of the University he acknowledged the students' achievements and presented them with certificates.

The students had completed their ten week internship, and handed up their final piece of assessment. The internship involved placement in early childhood, primary and secondary schools situations depending on each student's specialisation.

Whilst the BLM Program extends over four years, it can be fast-tracked if a student is prepared to add an extra term each year.

Sharing experiences

Professor Tickle pointed out that teaching is gaining in popularity and, " ... there is a chronic shortage of secondary teachers particularly, with graduates specialising in early childhood learning and primary teaching  also in high demand." He added that the employment prospects  of graduates from CQUniversity's BLM programs is close to 100%, which is very gratifying.

Catholic Education is a major employer of our graduates. The Catholic Diocesan Education office was represented by Literacy and Numeracy Coordinator,  Ms Dawn Haynes, , who  pointed out that, "...Catholic Education employs a significant number of graduates from CQUniversity distributed over 28 primary schools. Secondary schools also employ graduates, however, they're appointed externally." Ms Haynes added, students from CQUniversity's Mackay, Gladstone and Bundaberg campuses regularly found employment in Catholic schools in those locations.

BLM Early Childhood students Madeline Else and Hayley Palfrey recounted their experiences during the internship period, agreeing their delight in interacting and working with young children was fundamental to their choice of career path. "The things that they come out with, that surprise, and make you laugh, their wonderment, those are some of the many enjoyable aspects of working with young children."...
Madeline Else & Hayley Palfrey