TAFE Open Learning enrolments up 46%
Open learning is an increasingly popular study option for many Queenslanders.
TAFE Open Learning (TOL) figures reveal a 46% increase in its enrolment intake for the 2009 July/August period, compared with the same period last year.
TOL offers vocational education and training courses, and uses distance and online delivery via off-campus, distance or online learning.
TOL Director Sue Walsh said the strong figures show open learning continues to be an increasingly popular study option.
"People value education more than ever due to the current economic trends," Ms Walsh said.
"They want to secure their current positions or upskill to better positions," she said.
Ms Walsh said Children's Services programs were the most popular choice for students and finance and accounting programs were also in high demand.
Mara Harding, 38, has been studying Certificate III in Children's Services via TOL since the beginning of the year.
"I have a busy family life and a 50 hour work week, so TOL gives me the opportunity to further my studies when it's difficult to access classroom time," Ms Harding said.
Ms Harding, who had been employed in IT, took time away from work to raise her children.
"Working in child care was a natural progression and TOL helped me ease back into studying as a mature-age student," Ms Harding said.
"I want to become a classroom teacher and once I have completed my Certificate III in Children's Services, I will continue my studies with a Diploma in Children's Services, also through TOL, and then a Bachelor of Education at university."
Due to a self-paced learning approach, TOL takes enrolments 51 weeks of the year so students can start their courses at any time of the year.
TOL programs are delivered through a variety of options including printed learning materials, CDs and online.