Mechanic Scott Sullivan will be using different tools in his work soon, as he starts a Bachelor of Environmental Science at Charles Darwin University after successfully completing the Tertiary Enabling Program (TEP).
The 36-year-old from Alice Springs enrolled in TEP at CDU after he saw a newspaper article about the University's Environmental Science Bachelor degree and enquired about what he needed to do to apply.
The Tertiary Enabling Program gives students the opportunity to develop the skills and knowledge they will need for successful achievements in tertiary studies, covering units such as computing and academic English.
It is designed for students who wish to enrol in study at a Diploma or Degree level but who have been out of study for a while or have not achieved a Tertiary Entrance Rank high enough to gain entry into their desired study program.
Successful completion of TEP allows students to meet the minimum entry requirements for most Charles Darwin University Diplomas and Bachelor Degrees.
Scott, who works as a mechanic and driver on the Centre Bush Bus providing transportation to Aboriginal communities in Central Australia, had been out of study since completing his apprenticeship after he finished high school.
Already spending much of his time outdoors, Scott was attracted to Environmental Science because of the broad base it provided in a growing field of employment, as well as his interest in water conservation and renewable energy.
"I just wanted a change. I kept stepping sideways and I wanted to move forward and now I can," he said.
Scott completed his TEP study externally in six months while continuing to work out bush.
"TEP gives you a good indication of what to expect when you take on a degree," he said.
Enrolment days for the Tertiary Enabling Program will be held at the following times:
Casuarina Campus (Building 18.2.17) - Tuesday, 21 February, 3pm-6pm.
Alice Springs Campus (1st floor, Secondary College Building) - Wednesday, 22 February, 12pm-5pm.
For more information about TEP, call the Info Shop on 1800 061 963.