Study & Employment Skills

Nervous about taking that next big step in study or employment? Get prepared with this certificate.

In this programme, you'll fill your kete with tools that can help you to advance in study or at work. You'll get hands-on experience using new technology and wrap-around support from our experienced kaiako (tutors). Improve your communication and research skills and learn how to set and meet your goals.

Embrace a Te Ao Māori approach to learning, incorporating kaupapa wānanga principles and holistic wellbeing. At the end of this programme you'll have the skills and the confidence to take on your next challenge.

When you complete this programme, you'll get this qualification:

• New Zealand Certificate in Study and Employment Skills (Level 4)

• self-management and resilience
• how to use digital tools
• writing for different purposes
• oral communication
• conflict resolution and negotiation
• research skills
• financial literacy
• goal setting
• personal wellbeing

Some of your learning time will be kaiako-directed. Your kaiako will guide you through instruction and learning activities at a scheduled time and place.

• This might be in a classroom, online sessions, one-day wānanga, or noho.

The rest of your learning time will be activity-directed. Activity-directed learning is self-guided in your own time and space.

• This might consist of completing online activities, attending events, preparing for assessments, or engaging with supporting materials.

Some learning activities will need to be completed online. You’ll need to have access to an internet-connected device to participate in this programme. 

This is a full-time programme that consists of 60 credits.

The programme is delivered over 20 weeks, which means you’ll be expected to commit an average of 30 hours per week to your study.

Study mode 1: Blended learning

160 learning hours will be kaiako-directed. These hours will be split between:

• 6 hours of face-to-face class per week
• 5 x one-day wānanga which will be scheduled by your kaiako

440 learning hours will be activity-directed. This means you will be expected to complete activities in your own time for an average of 22 hours per week.

The study mode and learning hour distribution is at the discretion of your kaiako. For more information on what’s being offered, please contact Tatau Pounamu, our call centre.

To enrol in this programme, you must:

• be 16 years or older
• be a New Zealand citizen or resident (or citizen of Australia, Tokelau, Niue or the Cook Islands)
• reside in New Zealand

Your kaiako will have input into class selection based on your:

• commitment to completing the programme requirements
• interest and/or involvement in higher level study and/or enhancing employment prospects 

You can continue to higher level study in a wide range of programmes at level 5 and above, such as the Diploma in Small Business & Project Management, He Puāwai - Certificate in Adult & Tertiary Teaching, or Te Hapūtanga o Te Ao Tikanga.

You may have enhanced employment opportunities associated with the context of your chosen field.

Whanaungatanga | 15 credits

Whanaungatanga links life experiences, whakapapa connections and relationships to the ako experience. The aim of this kōnae ako is to introduce tauira to kaupapa wānanga and principle-based application to self-management, resilience, and problem solving. Tauira will also learn how to navigate digital technology.

Ako | 15 credits

Ako (Living, Learning, Teaching) recognises a reciprocal responsibility and obligation to learning that is context rich, relevant and appropriate and is learner centred. The aim of this kōnae ako is for tauira to recognise and engage in a variety of forms of writing for different purposes. Tauira will also demonstrate knowledge of different modes of oral communication such as introductions, conflict resolution and negotiation.

Aro | 15 credits

Aro (Reflective Practice) is focused intent within knowing, knowledge creation and knowledge building; incorporating ideas of self-awareness, practice and critical reflection. The aim of this kōnae ako is for tauira to apply research skills to their chosen fields and evaluate their findings in a chosen field. Tauira will also demonstrate knowledge of basic financial literacy related to further study or employment.

Te Hiringa | 15 credits

Te Hiringa (Spirituality, Passion, Motivation) recognises the inherent nature of spirituality within indigenous world views including education; made apparent by motivation, passion and intent (te ihi, te wehi, te wana). The aim of this kōnae ako is to prepare tauira for further study or employment through goal setting and participating in activities that will help them in their pursuit of study-based and work-based wellbeing.