{"id":257264,"date":"2020-04-27T14:54:16","date_gmt":"2020-04-27T04:54:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/southburnett.com.au\/news2\/?p=257264"},"modified":"2020-04-27T14:55:31","modified_gmt":"2020-04-27T04:55:31","slug":"uni-offers-free-mini-courses","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/southburnett.com.au\/news2\/2020\/04\/27\/uni-offers-free-mini-courses\/","title":{"rendered":"Uni Offers Free Mini-Courses"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Surat Basin Enterprise CEO Ali Davenport with Prof Geraldine Mackenzie and Toowoomba Mayor Paul Antonio at the mini-course announcement (Photo: USQ)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

April 27, 2020<\/strong><\/p>\n

The University of Southern Queensland (USQ) is offering five free UpSkill mini-courses to support the community during COVID-19 pandemic.<\/p>\n

UpSkill is a suite of online mini courses which involve about 40 hours of learning over four weeks.<\/p>\n

Learners who successfully complete the optional assessment will receive a digital badge, and the courses can stack up to contribute to a university qualification.<\/p>\n

Community members can select one of five free USQ mini-courses on offer from Monday (April 27). The courses start on May 11.<\/p>\n

Vice-Chancellor Profr Geraldine Mackenzie said the pandemic had dealt multiple blows to local families and businesses.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe all recognise how easy it is to feel overwhelmed by the changes to our lives during this unprecedented time,\u201d Prof Mackenzie said.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut in changing times one way of shoring up our futures is to build our skills; the more skills we have, the more prepared we are for the changing world.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe courses are flexible, can be done at an individual\u2019s own pace, and are a chance to develop new skills for the changing workforce. They also offer an opportunity to see if they are ready for further study.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n

“In the most difficult times, opportunities often present themselves.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf university study has been something you have always thought of trying, this might be the perfect time to dip your toes in the water.”<\/p>\n

Another option is to register and pay for three mini-courses and receive one free from the entire range of UpSkill.<\/p>\n

All up, there are 30 mini-courses available to study with more being developed, including the five free courses on offer.<\/p>\n

USQ UpSkill courses being offered for free are:<\/strong><\/p>\n