The University of the Sunshine Coast wants Gympie residents to feel confident about university, and is offering a free course this January to help.

The two-day University Skills for the Community course will be offered at USC’s Gympie campus at 71 Cartwright Road on January 16 and 17 for adults who may not have studied formally, who didn’t finish high school or are looking at new study and career pathways.

USC spokesperson Veronica Sanmarco said it would help demystify university for people who are not sure what tertiary study involved and inspire them to take the first steps towards new study options.

“The best thing about this course is that it offers a supportive group environment that helps people build confidence and capacity for university learning while developing new skills,” Ms Sanmarco said.

The course aims to introduce participants to key concepts and structures of writing for a higher education environment while enhancing the students’ capacity around career pathway decision-making.

“It allows people to explore potential study and career pathways, without exams, homework, assignments or costs.”

“And with no assignments or exams to worry about, this is the ideal course for people wanting to sample higher education and discover what opportunities are available,” she said.

To register, email pathways@usc.edu.au or phone (07) 5430 2893.

- Janelle Kirkland