Sam's teaching ability enhanced by CQU education support course

Samantha Leonard's determination to help teach Mackay's future engineers has been boosted by CQUniversity's Certificate IV in School-Based Education Support training.

Single mum Samantha' is a Teacher Aide at the Mackay Engineering College' assisting senior high schoolers with their Certificate II in Automotive or Engineering Pathways courses.

"I decided to become a teacher aide when my children became school age'" she said.

"I knew the hours and abilities to not work school holidays would suit my lifestyle as a single parent of school-age children.

"I think that other parents would benefit from these working arrangements. Being a parent can assist in having the knowledge of young children and how to get the best from them."

Samantha enrolled in the Certificate IV in School-Based Education Support after completing the Certificate III in Education Support.

"I found the support I received at CQU very helpful. Questions are answered quickly with plenty of information.

"The ability to enrol in courses at my own pace due to having school age children I need to split time between those responsibilities and study. Also' the subsidised fees are extremely helpful.

"I enjoy being able to learn while working as all clusters are completed with on-the-job experiences as examples and being signed off by supervisors is a requirement as well. I have enjoyed being able to interact with students of all different age groups.

"My studies have helped with the Health and Safety aspect I have never had experience in working in a workshop I found the WH&S helped me to reflect on my own conduct and ensured I am always thinking about the safety of the students and myself.

"I have very much enjoyed working in education and am loving my current employment. I never thought I could end up having these new experiences every day. I have tried welding and brazing I have changed tyres for the first time in my life and learnt how to operate many different workshop tools and even made some of the projects that the students are creating here.

"It has been a wonderful experience that I could never have been a part of if I hadn't followed this career path and completed and continued my studies at CQU."

For more information visit Certificate IV in School Based Education Support or call 13 27 86