Student numbers at the Geraldton Universities Centre (GUC) continue to grow and so too the range of quality supported and mix-mode delivered programs offered at the Centre to grow community capacity and higher education engagement in the region.

With the addition of 43 newly enrolled students starting programs in 2nd semester, GUC now has a record 279 students studying across its programs in 2016.

New students are enrolled in Bridging (STEPS), Accounting, Business, Education, Nursing and Psychology.

GUC is also looking to introduce at least one new program in 2017, with the Board endorsing Secondary Education to its suite of CQUniversity Education programs.

“This development would strengthen education options for mid-west students who will then be able to graduate in programs from early childhood and primary education through to secondary education, providing qualified local professionals for the region across the whole education system,” Director Natalie Nelmes said.

“Already GUC has run a Graduate Diploma in Secondary Education, but now this new course will be available for students with no previous degree.”

Subject to signing off on an agreement with CQU, the potential for Secondary Education to run at GUC will see students undertaking mixed mode delivery across education core units and units in their chosen discipline area of secondary teaching.

Discipline Teaching areas include; Accounting, Business, Biology, Chemistry, English, Geography, Health and Physical Education, History, Home Economics & Hospitality, Industrial Technology & Design, and, Mathematics.

The CQU program also offers a unique opportunity for trade-to-teacher pathways. Students enrolling in discipline areas of Industrial Design and Technology or Home Economics and Hospitality can receive recognition of prior learning if they have previously completed a trade certificate, an Australian apprenticeship with teaching experience or 3-5 years trade work experience in the relevant industry.

“Trade professionals who have experienced a downturn in their fields of industry locally can consider upscaling their education and find a pathway into alternative employment as a trained professional secondary teacher,” Ms Nelmes said.

Photo credit: New STEPS students at Orientation session.