A free university skills course gave Carolyn O’Donnell the help she needed to return to higher education almost 30 years since finishing high school.

USC’s University Skills for You is offered to adults wanting to explore their higher education and career options. The next two-day course will be held at the Fraser Coast campus on 19-20 November.

It is designed for those 18 years and older who did not finish high school or may have not formally studied for many years.

Ms O’Donnell, 48, said the course was a great refresher on studying again.

“It helped to upgrade my academic skills and built up my confidence,” said the Maryborough security and disability support worker who completed the course ahead of starting USC’s Diploma of Science and Technology.

“It had been several years since high school, and more than 20 years since I decided not to finish my first university degree, so it gave me great insights into what to expect when I re-entered that world.”

University Skills for You coordinator Liz Davison said the course was ideal for anyone who was thinking about studying at TAFE or university and was unsure about what was involved.

There are no tests, assignments or exams,” Ms Davison said. “Instead the emphasis is on helping people build their confidence and develop new academic skills in a supportive group learning environment.

“One important focus is helping people recognise the transferable skills they have gained from work and life experience.

“They are then taught how to develop this knowledge and experience into academic reading, writing, speaking and critical thinking skills.”

At the end of the course, participants will explore potential study pathways and can arrange to have individual sessions with USC career advisers to help develop study and career plans.

Workbooks are provided for free and there are no tuition fees. Places are limited and registration is essential.

Carolyn said being introduced to the academic writing and research skills required at university had been a helpful preparation for further study.

Carolyn intends to convert USC’s one-year Diploma of Science and Technology into a degree in Animal Ecology or Environmental Science and gain a career working in one of those fields.

Register here or email pathways@usc.edu.au.

Another session of University Skills for You will be offered at USC Fraser Coast on 7-8 January next year.

— Clare McKay