Short courses to consider in 2022

A new year is not only a fresh start, but an opportunity to grow. Whether it’s a few hours or a few weeks, a one-day event or weekend workshops, short courses give you an opportunity to try something new and stimulate your grey matter – after all, learning and engaging with new tasks is one of the best ways to keep your brain healthy and active. And with many courses, there’s also the chance to pursue your passions, meet new friends and gain new skills. Here are a few to consider.

Digital photography

Have a passion for capturing special moments? Why not harness your skills? TAFE NSW offers a Creative Digital Imaging Skills course that can help you utilise lighting techniques, expertly compose your frames and use digital software to edit and store images. It’s fee-free for eligible students. Chisholm in Victoria also offers a range of digital photography courses , ranging from a six-week short course to a diploma that can be completed in one year full time or two years part time.

If you decide to take up photography and invest in some new equipment, you might want to make sure it’s covered by your insurance — even while you’re out and about. Cover for personal valuables is available as an optional cover with an Apia Home & Contents or Contents Insurance policy, and can help with loss or damage to items like jewellery, watches, smartphones and more.

Learn more about Contents Insurance

Life and memoir writing

Writing down your memories can be a fulfilling way to not only revisit the past, but preserve your story for the future. However, when you’re writing about your own life, it can be hard to know where to start, how to structure your stories, and what details to include (and exclude!). The Australian Writers Centre offers a five-week online life writing course throughout the year, while TAFE NSW also offers a self-paced Statement in Writing Today- Memoirs. The added bonus is that both courses are online, and you can take part from the comfort of your own home.

Urban foraging and wild food

If you have a green thumb and a keen eye, consider taking a short course in wild food and urban foraging; the revived tradition of foraging for, successfully identifying and consuming wild food. Often overlooked and mistaken as weeds, wild food ranges from mushrooms to seaweed, and courses are available across most capital cities. In Sydney, try the Centennial Parks Wonderful Wild Weeds tour, while in Melbourne, try an Edible Weed Walk. In Brisbane, have a chat to Northey Street City Farm about their Sustainable Living workshops, including an urban forage class.

Paint and pottery

Matisse once mused that creativity takes courage, and the rising popularity of paint-and-sip art studios across Australia suggest a little wine can go a long way in helping you find your artistic strength. The concept is simple; bring your beverage of choice, sit down at the easel, and start painting under the guidance of an artist, glass of wine in hand. Picasso and Pinot offer social paint-and-sip art classes across Australia’s major cities and regional towns. If you prefer to get your hands really dirty, a great alternative is a ceramics and pottery class; the Australian Ceramics Community has a great list of studios and schools offering workshops.

Beekeeping

Bees are both critical for the environment and wonderful for your garden, and beekeeping is a sweet pursuit for nature lovers — especially come honey harvesting time! Whether you’re keen to keep native bees or honey bees, there are a number of amateur beekeeping clubs that run courses and can advise on where to buy equipment and how to source a hive. Many local councils also run free beekeeping workshops throughout the year.

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