The University of Southern Queensland will soon offer two new microcredential courses in priority industries, under a Federal Government funding announcement designed to reskill Australia’s workforce.
The microcredential courses set to be offered at the University are Drone Mapping and Navigation and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for Professionals – both of which will tackle chronic skills shortages in the urban planning and surveying industry, among others.
School of Surveying and Built Environment Head Professor Sherif Mohamed said the courses were in an area that would address industry needs.
“The School of Surveying and Built Environment aspires to be nationally renowned for the quality of our education, research and scholarship,” Professor Mohamed said.
“I am pleased to secure two Pilot Grants, paving the way for the School to work collaboratively with industry in developing microcredential courses; thus helping professionals quickly gain the required knowledge and skills employers need,” he said.
Microcredential courses provide specific, bite-sized chunks of learning without the commitment of a full program. These University of Southern Queensland courses will suit those with a natural interest in GIS, drones, and subsequent data visualisation and analysis.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Geraldine Mackenzie said this announcement built on the University’s extensive and industry-leading approach to education.
“These microcredential courses will be co-designed and co-developed with industry to meet current and future industry needs,” Professor Mackenzie said.
“The collaborative approach to development and delivery with industry will fast-track workforce development while improving access to higher education for people in the workforce.”
“These microcredentials confirm the University of Southern Queensland’s reputation as an expert in supporting workforce upskilling and reskilling through flexible education.”
Professor Mohamed said now was the perfect time to consider a career in urban development, particularly in Southern Queensland.
“There is a shortage of surveying, planning and construction professionals,” Professor Mohamed said.
“These fields need talented people, and our School of Surveying and Built Environment offers you the opportunity to learn and master practical skills essential for career success.”
Minister for Education Jason Clare said the Microcredentials Pilot in Higher Education program was part of the Government’s broader effort to promote microcredentials and upskill Australians.
“Microcredentials can help Australians upskill and reskill to prepare for the jobs of the future,” Mr Clare said.
“This Pilot means more Australians can get the skills in areas we need, such as teaching, nursing, and engineering,” he said.
Find out more about University of Southern Queensland’s School of Surveying and Built Environment or visit UniSQ UpSkill.
