Sydney, NSW -- (SBWIRE) -- 07/05/2011 -- Australia's distance learning pioneer Cengage Education has launched a new-look website that puts the focus firmly on the career opportunities that its online and distance education courses can deliver.

Recent research conducted by the company shows that the single most significant factor for both current and prospective students is career prospects. Cengage Education has responded to this with a website home page that showcases the range of careers – from aged care to small business management – that students can pursue.

A reshaping of the faculty structure has resulted in a number of new and renamed schools. Business & Management and Business Administration schools recognise different disciplines and skills within business sector, while the renamed Design & Photography and Writing & Communication schools more accurately reflect the courses offered. New Natural Therapies and Beauty schools have been created, acknowledging the popularity of these courses. A General Interest school encompasses a range of vocational and hobby courses.

These schools are immediately accessible from the website's home page. Visitors simply click on a school to access streamlined landing pages with information on industries, potential careers and related courses.

Each school belongs to one of three new faculties:

• Business, Finance & Accounting, managed by Faculty Head Paula Irvine

• Health & Community Services, managed by Interim Faculty Head Judith Bowler

• Design & Technology (incorporating Environment & Languages), managed by Faculty Head Dirk Drieberg.

"The introduction of dedicated faculties is already enhancing our educational leadership and management across the diverse disciplines in which we operate," says Cengage Education CEO Anthony Bohm. "It's a key part of our drive for continuous improvement, as is our refreshed website."

In addition to the restructured schools and streamlined navigation, the website also features an appealing and engaging redesign of the home page with banners promoting exciting course offerings. New content elsewhere on the site emphasises Cengage Education's heritage as Australia's distance learning pioneer, introduces key staff and explains the different qualification and certifications that students can achieve. Enrolling students will also enjoy the benefits of a new online payment gateway with a new weekly payment option for most courses and more secure transactions.

"The website represents an important step forward for the business, particularly in ensuring that the public's first contact with us is informative and engaging," adds Anthony Bohm. "Our commitment to quality means that there are more improvements to come, but we are certainly moving in a positive direction."

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Sydney, NSW -- (SBWIRE) -- 05/05/2011 -- A century's expertise and experience in distance education has helped shape a range of new courses on offer by Cengage Education to students anywhere.

The new courses are in the faculties of Business, Accounting & Finance and Community Services & Health, and are offered by Cengage Education through a new partnership with Integrated Care & Management Training (ICMT).

In the Business, Finance & Accounting faculty, the new Certificate IV in Training & Assessment is custom-designed for students pursuing training and assessment roles in online and distance learning.

As part of this course, students will use industry-leading interactive learning materials to develop their skills in designing and developing training programs, planning and undertaking group-based learning and organising the assessment process. A workplace learning unit will enable those currently in the workplace to immediately implement their skills.

"We are offering students in this course the benefit of our unique century-old experience and expertise in training and assessment in the distance learning field," explains Cengage Education CEO Anthony Bohm.

In the Health & Community Services faculty, Cengage Education is building on its nationally recognised portfolio of certificate courses with a Certificate IV in Youth Work delivered by ICMT.

This course is ideal for those developing a career in youth work, in which it is crucial to understand the issues and challenges faced and the strategies that can be applied in this field.

In addition, Cengage Education, in partnership with ICMT, is offering a new range of nationally recognised health services courses.

These include a Diploma in Paramedical Science (Anaesthesia) and Certificate IV in Anaesthetic Technology. There is also a Certificate IV in Cast Technology, as well as a Certificate III and IV in Dental Assisting.

In healthcare and support services, there are a range of new certificate courses: Certificate III level courses in Health Services Assistance and Health Support Services, a Certificate IV in Medical Practice Assisting and a Certificate IV in Sterilisation Services.

"Distance and online learning is a key resource in ensuring we have the people trained to meet the evolving demands of our 21st-century economy, currently under pressure from a looming skills shortage and near-full employment," says Mr Bohm.

For further information or comment please contact Mr Anthony Bohm of Cengage Education on (02) 9433 3683

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