DRAWN TO WHOLE NEW CANVAS

Going back to study does not need to be daunting. Melanie Burgess reports.

THE importance of continual learning has become clearer than ever as the coronavirus chaos forces many Australians to pivot their career in order to shore up their employment.

But the idea of returning to study can be daunting for some – particularly older workers who have not joined a class or sat an exam for a decade or more.

Whether just starting out or nearing retirement, workers are urged to keep learning so they are ready to adapt to any changes that come their way.

Australian Bureau of Statistics figures reveal there were about 227,500 Australians aged 45 or older enrolled in study in May last year.

Chisholm Institute director and chief executive Stephen Varty says there is an increasing need for people to have up-to-date skills and relevant knowledge given the advancement of technology and demands on workers.

“In speaking with industry, I have found that employers benefit most when their employees refresh their skills base and knowledge on an annual or biannual basis,” he says.

“This is particularly important for those who have been in the same position for five or more years.

“(They) are likely to have seen their jobs significantly change and evolve, or new jobs to have been created around them.”

At Chisholm, about one in five students is aged 40 or older.

“I think that the current situation (with COVID-19 shutdowns and self isolation) has given people time to consider what skills and learning they need to remain current or engaged in the workplace,” Varty says.

To support workers displaced by the COVID-19 crisis, the Federal Government has significantly subsidised a selection of courses as part of its Higher Education Relief Package.

Up to 20,000 students will be able to complete short courses such as an Undergraduate Certificate in Nursing for about $1500 or a Graduate Certificate in Cyber Security for about $2500.

James Farquharson (pictured) is studying a Diploma of Visual Arts part time at Chisholm Institute.

“It is part of my therapy because I am a veteran and have posttraumatic stress,” he says.

“If it could become a career, that would be fantastic but at the moment it’s not a financially viable career.”

He had previously studied for a Bachelor of Education, graduating in 1992, and a graduate certificate in history that was not completed.

“Most people who are at university have gone straight from high school and it’s one flowing thing, whereas if you have been in the workforce as long as I have your skills can be out of date to an extent,” he says.

“Study is also very different from what most people do in their daily lives.

“It is probably more difficult just because you are generally set in your ways, you have got stronger and more well-formed opinions.

“It comes down to motivation about why you are doing it, what you are interested in and finding the right institution that offers what you want to get out of the course.”