Support for Aboriginal Health Council SA Certificate IV course in Indigenous research capacity

Along with Flinders University and James Cook University, the Lowitja Institute supported and part-funded the Aboriginal Health Council of South Australia’s (AHCSA) Certificate IV in Indigenous Research Capacity Building. Each of the graduates received a Certificate IV in Indigenous Research Capacity Building, a nationally recognised VET qualification that offers significant advantages both in building career paths and enhancing opportunities in existing workplaces. Beyond the professional advantages, however, the course also yields personal benefits for graduates by developing increased confidence, motivation and a sense of competency. These are important qualities for building capacity in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander research workforce.

The combined personal and professional impact of the course has also been documented in an external evaluation done after its first year of delivery, which stated: Students reported a marked increase in both their confidence and skills to be involved in research and evaluation, including conducting their own projects. In fact, close to half of the students interviewed were actively implementing their learning in their workplaces, including continuing their research projects or undertaking more regular and rigorous evaluation (Stacey, Bromley & Kambouris, 2008:1).