CQU Rockhampton will be promoting their tertiary preparatory programs and alternative entry methods at an information centre in the CBD during Adult Learners Week next week.

CQU offers a number of alternative entry options for non-school leavers and interested people will be able to get further information about these at the former Fitzroy Basin Building in East Street, next to the Heritage Post Office from Monday to Friday from 10am to 3pm.

An alternative entry information session will also be held on-campus in Rockhampton on Monday, September 15, at 6.30pm in building 32 G.18.

Information sessions will also be held at other Central Queensland campuses including Emerald on Tuesday September 9, Second Floor Room 8207; Mackay on Thursday September 11, Building 1 G13-14; Gladstone on Tuesday September 16, Valis Theatre, Martin Hanson Building; and Bundaberg on Thursday September 18, Building 5G22 Lecture Theatre.

“If you really want to go to Uni, then just do it”.

These were the words from recent STEPS (Skills for Tertiary Education Preparatory Studies) graduate and now first year Bachelor of Arts student Alicia Stafford.

Alicia, 20, was not ready to go to university after completing year 12 and admits she could have tried a lot harder at school to get better grades, but “that’s with hindsight”.

A few years on, a few part-time jobs later and with a bit more life experience, Alicia decided to go back to study and follow her dream of becoming a physical education teacher.

The STEPS program through Central Queensland University allowed Alicia to receive the necessary preparatory skills to begin University.

STEPS provides mature-age students with the skills necessary to succeed at university. The program provides teaching in language and learning, mathematics, computing for academic assignment writing and preparatory studies.

The 17-year-old STEPS program has had a proven history of giving people a second chance at going to university. The program is a 13-week full-time or 26-week part-time program available at CQU’s Central Queensland campuses in Rockhampton, Gladstone, Mackay, Bundaberg and Emerald.

STEPS coordinator in Rockhampton Julie Willans said she believed STEPS was a practical pathway to higher education.

“When provided with an opportunity to return to study, many adults avail themselves of it in their quest to achieve what may have once seemed to be out of reach,” Ms Willans said.

“It is encouraging to see the hundreds of people of all ages graduating from our STEPS program each year, giving people a chance of a career.

“I couldn’t see any disadvantages in applying for the STEPS program,” Alicia explained. “And now that I have completed it, I can say that I simply loved it.

“I not only have learnt a lot, but made a lot of friends of all ages.

Graduating with excellent marks, Alicia began a Bachelor of Arts degree mid-year undertaking courses from the School of Health and Human Performances.

Next year, she intends to transfer into a Bachelor of Human Movement Science/Bachelor of Learning Management double degree, studying to become a physical education teacher at a secondary school.

STEPS is excellent for both younger people who have been out of school for a few years and also for more mature people wanting to return to study for personal development or a career change.

Photo: STEPS leads Alicia Stafford into new career path.