Student makes leap from TAFE into university

University of Southern Queensland (USQ) student Ms Melanie Llewellyn is one of the first students to undertake the new Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood) program at the Springfield campus.

The first year, mature aged student has taken the step into university studies after completing education courses, including the Diploma of Children Services through Bremer TAFE where she was nominated for the Queensland Training Awards in 2008 and won South West Regional Vocational Student of the Year.

Ms Llewellyn said she made the decision to work towards completing a university degree in early childhood education while still studying at TAFE, but wasn't sure which university to apply to.

'I had been working as a Teacher Aide at St Mary's College in Ipswich and was speaking to a Prep teacher there who suggested I look into all of my options before deciding,' Ms Llewellyn said.

'When I contacted USQ, I found out they were beginning the Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood) for the first time this year and that my previous TAFE studies gave me the necessary prerequisites to gain entry.

'As I live in Brassall it was also great to find out the program would be offered at the Springfield campus.'

Ms Llewellyn said she chose to study early childhood as she particularly loved to teach the 3 to 7 year age group.

'I love the way they look at the world, they can solve anything with cardboard and sticky tape. I find this group so honest and interesting. You get to see everything again through their eyes and experience their excitement and enthusiasm.

'I would like to teach Kindergarten, Pre Prep or Prep when I have finished my degree.'

Ms Llewellyn said she had always wanted to become a preschool teacher, but wasn't focussed at high school and didn't obtain the marks necessary.

"It is different now as a mature aged student, I am focussed on my studies and have found myself to be a high achiever.

'I have had a complete change of career focus now, as I have worked in the past as a property manager and in retail while raising my own family. I found myself at a point where I was looking for something new to do with my life.'

Melanie said having not studied for many years, the path through TAFE studies was a great way to ease back into academic life.

'It gave me the confidence I needed in my own abilities to continue onto university.

'I chose USQ because of the friendly environment, everyone has been so helpful and they truly bend over backwards to help you here.

'From day one when I first set foot on Springfield campus I felt like I was coming home.'

USQ Springfield campus Director Doug Fraser said TAFE was just one of the pathways to university studies available to potential USQ students.

'If you don't have the required qualifications or experience to get into the university program of your choice, or if you just want to boost your QTAC ranking, the USQ Tertiary Preparation Program (TPP) will help you develop the skills you need,' Mr Fraser said.

'Then, when you successfully complete the program, you are guaranteed entry into USQ undergraduate programs.

'I congratulate Melanie on her success at TAFE and look forward to hearing more about her success now that she is a USQ student.'

Media Contact: Jo-Ann Sparrow, USQ Media, +61 7 3470 4119 or 0438 309 096