Why are Students Thriving with These New Tertiary Pathway Options?

As a parent, you want what’s best for your child. You want them to have a bright future, a fulfilling career, and a happy life. But how can you exactly help them achieve these goals? How can you guide them toward the right path after they graduate from high school?

In this blog, we will introduce you to new tertiary pathways and the benefits they offer for students. We will also discuss how Lumify Learn can help them start their dream career.

What are the New Tertiary Pathway Options Available to Students?

Micro-credentials

Micro-credentials are short online courses that aim to help students develop specialised skills and knowledge in specific areas of interest or demand. They provide an additional pathway for students who want to enhance their employability and career prospects, or explore new fields of study.

Micro-credentials usually last for a few weeks or months if studied part-time, and they cover real-world topics that are not covered at school, such as digital marketing, data science, and sustainability. Micro-credentials are offered by various universities and organisations (like Lumify Learn) in Australia and around the world. By taking micro-credentials, your child can enjoy the following benefits:

• Enhanced Employability: Micro-credentials allow students to learn practical and relevant skills that are in high demand in the workplace and can help them stand out from the crowd of graduates.

• Flexibility and Low-Risk Exploration: Micro-credentials are flexible and convenient, as they can be completed online, at the student's own pace, and alongside other commitments. They also offer a low-risk way to try out new areas of interest or career paths, without committing to a full degree.

• Employer Recognition: Micro-credentials are recognized and valued by employers, as they demonstrate the student's initiative, curiosity, and lifelong learning attitude. They also provide verifiable evidence of the student's skills and competencies, through digital badges or certificates that can be shared on their resume or online profile.

• Academic and Networking Benefits: Micro-credentials can also enhance the student's academic journey, as they can earn credit for their future degree, or use them as a stepping stone to further education. They can also connect with industry experts and peers who share their interests, and expand their professional network.

Foundation Studies

Foundation studies are comprehensive programs designed to help students bridge the gap between their high school education and university-level studies. These programs serve as a valuable pathway for individuals seeking to enhance their academic readiness, ensuring a smooth transition into higher education or specific careers. Foundation studies typically extend for a full academic year, covering essential subjects such as mathematics, science, English, and more.

Foundation studies help students thrive in the following ways:

• Academic Preparation: These programs provide students with the necessary knowledge and skills to excel in university-level courses, thus enhancing their academic readiness.

• Diverse Course Entry: Upon successful completion of foundation studies, students can access a wide range of undergraduate degree programs, allowing them to explore diverse academic fields.

• Supportive Learning Environment: Foundation programs offer a supportive and nurturing environment where students can adapt to the academic rigors of higher education.

• Seamless Transition: They facilitate a seamless transition from high school to university, reducing the challenges and uncertainties that may come with the shift.

• Confidence Boost: Foundation studies instill confidence in students, ensuring they feel well-prepared for the demands of university-level studies.

Alternative University Entry Pathways

In response to the evolving landscape of higher education and the recognition that traditional academic qualifications may not be the only indicators of a student's potential, universities have been expanding their array of alternative entry pathways. These alternative routes are designed to be more inclusive, taking into account various aspects of a student's background, skills, and experiences. Some of these alternative entry pathways include:

• Work Experience: Students who have spent time in the workforce, gained skills, and honed their abilities through professional endeavors may find that their real-world experience is a valid qualification for university admission. This recognition allows individuals to leverage their work history as an entry point into higher education.

• Portfolios: For students with a strong aptitude in creative fields such as design, fine arts, or media, many universities offer portfolio-based entry. Through a carefully curated collection of their creative work, whether it's visual art, writing, or multimedia projects, students can showcase their talent, creativity, and readiness for coursework in these specialised fields.

• Demonstrated Aptitude: Recognising that some students possess exceptional talents or aptitudes, universities have implemented pathways that assess applicants based on their unique abilities. These may include tests, interviews, or evaluations that gauge an applicant's suitability for a particular program or course. This approach allows students to be considered for admission based on their innate talents and passion, rather than solely relying on academic grades.

The benefits of these alternative university entry pathways include:

• Overcoming barriers: Alternative entry pathways empower students to overcome barriers that might otherwise hinder their access to higher education. Whether it's low ATAR scores, financial constraints, or personal circumstances, these pathways provide a route to academic success.

• Demonstrations of potential: Alternative entry pathways allow students to showcase their potential in more relevant and authentic ways than traditional academic measures. Through work experience, portfolios, or aptitude tests, students can demonstrate their readiness for higher education in meaningful ways.

• Choice and flexibility: Alternative entry pathways grant students the freedom to choose courses that align with their interests, goals, and abilities. This flexibility goes beyond past qualifications, ensuring that students can pursue their preferred academic paths.

• Skill development: These pathways actively support students in building the confidence and skills essential for thriving in university studies. They focus on developing academic literacy, critical thinking, and self-management, setting students up for success in higher education.

Vocational Education and Training (VET)

VET programs provide students with the hands-on skills and knowledge needed for specific careers or industries. These pathways offer an alternative to traditional academic routes, focusing on practical, job-ready training. VET covers a wide spectrum of fields, such as IT, hospitality, construction, and more.

According to a study, 4.3 million students were enrolled in nationally recognised VET programs in 2021, an increase of 9.0% compared with 2020.

Your child can benefit from VET programs in the following ways:

• Practical skill development: VET programs equip students with practical skills essential for their chosen careers, ensuring they are job-ready from day one.

• High industry demand: Many industries face a shortage of skilled workers, making VET graduates highly sought after in fields like IT, construction, and healthcare.

• Good job prospects: VET graduates often enjoy good job prospects and competitive salaries, with a median annual wage of $56,000 in Australia.

• Shorter training time: VET programs are typically shorter than traditional college programs, allowing students to enter the workforce more quickly, which is especially beneficial for those eager to start earning a living.

• Affordable tuition: VET tuition is usually more budget-friendly than traditional college tuition, making it an attractive option for cost-conscious students.

• Diverse careers: VET opens doors to various career possibilities, providing students with the chance to align their passions with their chosen field.

• Mentorship: VET programs often involve mentorship from seasoned professionals who can provide valuable insights and guidance.

With VET programs, your child can set out on a path that focuses on immediate, practical career preparation, offering numerous advantages and promising opportunities for their future.

Lumify Learn: A Great Option for Your Child’s Future

As mentioned, VET is one of the choices that your child can go for after they graduate from high school. If they are interested in taking an IT career, why not have them enrol on a Lumify Learn course? We offer nationally accredited courses and vendor-certified boot camps in areas like website development, cyber security, IT Networking, IT Support, and data and AI, among others. All courses are conducted 100% online by our expert trainers and mentors who will guide students every step of the way.

And because the demand for IT professionals is increasing, this will give students a competitive edge in the job market, a higher earning potential, and a wider range of career opportunities. If your child takes a course with us, they could even become eligible for a 33% credit towards a Bachelor IT degree course in certain Tier 1 and Tier 2 universities. They can even gain access to in-demand jobs and internships through our Lumify Edge program.

To support your child’s future and help them find their passion and purpose in the IT industry, download our free eBook and learn how our courses can equip them with the skills and qualifications they need.

Ready to help your child thrive in their career? Enquire with us today.