Under the scheme redundant and retrenched workers will be offered a free assessment of their qualifications and receive careers advice, followed by placement in one of the university’s access programs, and/or immediate enrolment in their choice of one of CQUniversity’s degree programs in Term 1, 2009.

Workers could enrol part-time or full-time and study by distance education or at campuses in Mackay, Emerald, Bundaberg, Rockhampton or Gladstone.

CQUniversity said the scheme was designed to provide displaced workers of any age with the confidence, knowledge and skills they need to respond to change and successfully study at university regardless of their educational background.

“CQUniversity is responding to the local impact of a global crisis. Our aim here is to get retrenched workers in central Queensland re-skilled and prepared for the future,” deputy vice-chancellor Angela Delves said.

“Even workers who find new employment would be eligible to study part-time and benefit from longer-term career and professional development.”