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How to choose the right course for your lifestyle

By Lumify Learn Team | June 16, 2022

Stepping out of high school? Seeking hands-on industry training? Perhaps you’re investing in professional development?

Vocational education and training (VET) courses have been well-known to improve the employment status of their students; helping expand their job market opportunities and equipping them with the work-ready skills required of their industry. In fact, such outcomes have only progressed in 2021, with even more VET individuals having improved their employment opportunities post-training.

Beneficial as such education may be, it also pays to consider your current lifestyle before pursuing a course. By aligning your training with personal circumstances, you’ll be better set to tend to and succeed in your studies.

Below, we break down the main factors to consider when choosing the right course for your lifestyle – and how Lumify Learn’s programs can get you started.

FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING THE RIGHT COURSE FOR YOUR LIFESTYLE

Your schedule

First and foremost, it pays to take your schedule into account. Consider the available time you currently have to invest in further study; if you’re a full-time worker and parent, for example, can you manage the weekly commitment to a fully-fledged on-campus degree? Or perhaps a short, online course may fit your needs better?

Whatever your circumstances, plenty of courses now offer flexible options to help you study around existing work, family, or personal commitments. When enrolling in a program, consider whether you may need to study on a full-time or part-time basis; whether the length of the course is feasible, and whether online options may suit you best.

Previous experience

If you’ve acquired previous training or work experience in your chosen field of study, then you may be able to pursue higher-level courses or qualifications. For example, if you’ve recently completed a recognised certificate in IT, then perhaps you can advance your skills and niche down through a diploma of IT in cyber security.

Similarly, if you’re stepping into a sector with zero experience, then it may be best to start off with an entry-level qualification or a boot camp course – helping you get an initial feel of the industry.

The support you need

Each of us have different styles of learning – with some requiring more guidance or support than others. If you’re someone who studies better with more hands-on mentoring, consultation and general support, then be sure to seek out a training provider that offers just this.

While on-campus study options are best known to offer this type of academic experience, plenty of online programs can also provide you the active educational assistance you need. Lumify Learn, for example, pairs its students up with industry trainers who actively guide them throughout their study journey, along with specialist learning support staff who offer further support for those who need it.

Your location

Lastly, where you live can play a key role in determining the right course suited to your current lifestyle. If you’re pursuing an on-campus course that’s near and accessible from your location, then perhaps this mode of study may be convenient for you.

However, those who live in more remote, rural areas may fare better through online study options – as this eliminates the need to travel to an educational facility. You can easily gain the training you need from the comfort of your home, regardless of where you are in the world.

PURSUING SHORT COURSES

Thinking of exploring a new career path, or need a simple boost in skill for that job promotion?

If you’re looking for a quick, yet effective training option, then perhaps a short course (or two) may suit your needs best. These programs typically last for a few months at a time (usually 6 months at most), and provide a compressed overview of a specific role or sector.

Students can thus “test-drive” new industries without the extensive, years-long commitment of a diploma or degree, and can quickly bolster their skills for a career change, potential career advancement, or to kickstart their journey into further, higher-level training.

These programs are effective way of swiftly plugging any knowledge gaps you may have, helping keep your skillset up-to-date and competitive on the market.

Pursing a certificate or diploma

Alternatively, certificate or diploma courses are longer, more in-depth programs in a chosen skills area.

Though longer than a short course, certificates are still considered “entry-level” programs, often providing a very basic, fundamental look into a specific role. For example, Lumify Learn’s ICT40120 – Certificate IV in Information Technology (Web Development) delves into the essentials of programming and web development, with introductory subjects in web design, client support, cyber security, and databases.

Diplomas, on the other hand, are a step above certificates and usually take more than a year to complete. They provide a deeper understanding of your chosen sector, typically taking both your technical knowledge and practical skills and helping you apply them to complex, “real world” situations.

Students who complete the aforementioned web development certificate course may, for instance, seek to advance their skills through a Lumify Learn’s ICT50220 – Diploma of Information Technology (Back End Web Development). Through this program, they’ll learn to develop complex web pages suited to the specific IT needs of an organisation. They’ll gain an in-depth understanding of back-end website processes, exploring the ins and outs of application and database development.

Paired with certificate training, students who complete a diploma qualification will have built a comprehensive, thorough skillset in their desired role, granting them a competitive edge on the job market.

SHOULD I PURSUE AN ONLINE OR ON-CAMPUS COURSE?

As mentioned, on-campus learning isn’t always the most feasible among those living remotely or with a busy schedule. Should you find yourself strapped for time, then perhaps online training options will fit your study needs best.

Not only do you save yourself the hassle of having to commute or drive to a physical campus, but it’s also a more economic option; allowing you to save on the costs of travel or facilities. To top this off, online learning has also been heavily favoured in recent years for its ability to boost study performance and information retention.

Online training additionally offers plenty of course options across varying industry areas. Lumify Learn, for instance, provides a wide selection of ICT-focused courses in the sector’s most in-demand fields, including cloud computing, data science, and cyber security.

LOOKING TO BUILD YOUR DIGITAL SKILLS?

In an era of rapid technological growth, it pays to update your skills for an ever-digital future.

Lumify Learn currently offers various boot camp, certificate, and diploma programs across a myriad of ICT specialties, helping you get started in the industry, or to simply bolster your skills for the digital world. Each course is delivered online to help you build your skills around your existing commitments and schedule.

Gain the tech skills you need for today’s competitive job market – with options tailored to your specific lifestyle – and enquire with us on a course today.

Lumify Learn offers a wide range of courses: