Local teacher brings essential skills to remote students
A new initiative to address skills shortages in rural and remote Queensland is set to launch, as CQUniversity delivers courses in Biloela, Emerald, Longreach and Woorabinda through the Queensland Government’s Rural and Remote Pilot program.
Courses include Certificate III in Community Services, Certificate III in Individual Support, Certificate III in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care and Certificate III in Health Services Assistance.
CQUniversity Community Services teacher Vicki Lyons is excited to deliver the program, and visit communities for face-to-face training.
Having spent more than 30 years in regional Queensland, and working extensively in the community services and social work sector, Ms Lyons understands the challenges in addressing skills shortages in these areas.
She says the pilot program is designed to help fill the gap.
“This program is an opportunity for people in rural and remote areas to gain qualifications and career skills with additional support,” Ms Lyons said.
“Studying online can sometimes be a daunting prospect for students, so we’ve adapted a hybrid model of learning where students can do both.
“We’ll have on-the-ground learning support as well as accessible online support, so students feel more connected.
“In doing this we’ll be able to support students in their local areas and keep them in those regions so they can contribute their new knowledge and skills to their communities.”
Funded by the Queensland Government, the 12-month program is being delivered as a key action under the Good people. Good jobs: Queensland Workforce Strategy 2022–2032 to deliver a local skills and job creation initiative to increase workforce capacity across the state.
Eligible students may also be able to access subsidised fees to be determined upon application. Learn more about the pilot via the course information page.
