Graduates represent new class

The Department of Defence has a new class of graduates with skills ready to tackle finance, management planning and control and strategy improvements.

Students have completed the Defence Graduate Certificate in Professional Management (Finance) course offered through Southern Cross University.

Successful students are now one-third of their way towards a Masters Degree in management.

Graduates came from a wide range of Defence groups including Navy, Army, RAAF, DMO, CSIG and CFO.

The graduation ceremony was addressed by Brigadier Chris Appleton, Director-General, Defence Education and Training Development, Defence Personnel Executive. Graduation certificates were presented by Professor Lawson Savery.

Southern Cross University offers Masters Degrees in Professional Management, Supply Chain Management, Professional Accounting and Business Administration. All of these courses articulate from the Defence Graduate Certificate in Professional Management (Finance).

The Graduate Certificate in Professional Management (Finance) program commenced as a pilot program in March 2001. The program is delivered by the Major Training Services in partnership with Southern Cross University and Defence.

Because workplace experience is taken into account and recognised as qualifying students for the program, many students are able to undertake tertiary study for the first time. The department is able to gain the benefit of having finance and resource managers equipped with both a post-graduate qualification and practical experience.

Nominations for the 2004 Graduate Certificate program are now open. Contact John Maddock at Business Education and Skills Development (02) 6266 5541 or by email john.maddock@defence.gov.au

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