JCU has responded to the Federal Government's call to upskill workers by offering new short courses to people who want to extend their current skills, enhance their employment options, or get a feel for university study.
To support workers displaced by the COVID-19 crisis, the government asked Universities to develop short, focused courses in fields of national priority, with discounted tuition fees. These courses are available between June and December 2020.
Professor Maree Dinan-Thompson says the aim of the courses is to empower people with skills and confidence for the future.
"All of these courses offer a flexible, online approach to study," she said. "Students will be able to do them in their own time, around work and family commitments."
Two new undergraduate programs, the Certificate of Higher Education and the Get a Taste of University Study short course, are aimed at people who want to return to study after a long period away, who may not meet the academic requirements for entry into a Bachelor degree, or who are unsure if they have the necessary digital skills.
Professor Maree Dinan-Thompson said Certificate of Higher Education is aimed at preparing students for university by improving their writing and research skills, and to ensure they have the necessary prerequisites for specific disciplines.
"Some JCU degrees require students to have studied certain subjects at high school but not everyone studied those," she said. "By studying relevant subjects as part of the Certificate of Higher Education, students can undertake subjects that provide a foundation for study, satisfy pre-requisites and contribute towards Bachelor degrees."
Professor Maree Dinan-Thompson said JCU is also offering the Get a Taste of University Study short course for people who can build the relevant digital skills for university study success.
"This is a single subject that that will help students develop the necessary skills to use, manage and assess tools and technologies that are integral to learning and success at university," she said.
As well as the entry-level courses, JCU is offering postgraduate certificates in Information Technology, and a range of healthcare topics including rehabilitation, diabetes studies, and infection control.
"We hope our online short courses will benefit people who are seeking a change to their careers, following COVID-19," Professor Maree Dinan-Thompson said.
Learn more at https://www.jcu.edu.au/short-courses
