Upskilling after you leave school, Te whakapakari pūkenga ā muri i tō wehenga i te kura
Updated 23 Dec 2024
Lots of people decide to upskill after they’ve left school. Whatever your age, it’s a great way to start a new career or try for a new one.
How to upskillMe pēhea te whakapakari i ō pūkenga,
You can continue studying for NCEA credits or choose other ways to upskill and get qualifications, like doing an apprenticeship or a foundation or bridging course. Even if your life is too busy for full-time study or training, you might still be able to fit some of it around everything else.
How to get NCEA creditsMe pēhea te whiwhi NCEA,
Te KuraTe Kura,
Te Kura offers distance learning programmes for all ages. You can study a wide range of subjects up to NCEA Level 3. Enrol just for the credits you need or take a full-time study programme.
If you’re 16 to 19 years old, it’s free. If you’re 20 or older, you may have to pay an administration fee.
Youth Guarantee programmeHōtaka Pūtāhui Rangatahi,
If you’re 16 to 24 years old, you can learn new skills and study towards a NCEA qualification with the Youth Guarantee programme. These courses are free and can get you started in and apprenticeship or ready for work in an industry like hospitality, health care or computing.
You can choose from education providers all over Aotearoa. You can study some courses by distance or online learning.
Other ways to upskillĒtahi atu huarahi whakapakari pūkenga,
ApprenticeshipsNgā piatanga,
Doing an apprenticeship can help you get the skills you need to work in industries like building, hairdressing, or agriculture. You earn while you learn, and finish with a Level 3 or Level 4 New Zealand Certificate.
You need to be 16 years or older when you start but there’s no upper age limit. Each industry has different training requirements. Check with the relevant training organisation to find out if you can apply.
Foundation and bridging coursesNgā ākoranga tūāpapa, takatū anō hoki,
Most education providers offer courses at Levels 1 to 3 – and sometimes Level 4 – that lead into tertiary study. They’re a good option if you’ve been out of study for a while or want to build study skills and confidence.
These courses can help you meet the entry requirements for a degree course. Some let you explore an area of study and decide if you want to continue with it at a higher level.
Foundation and bridging courses usually take 4 months to a year.
Certificate coursesNgā akoranga tiwhikete,
A certificate course can give you the qualification you need to start in many careers.
It can also give you the credits you need for further training. For example, with a New Zealand Certificate in Health and Wellbeing (Level 2 to Level 4) you could get a job as a health care assistant or keep studying towards a nursing degree.
University and Te Pūkenga programmesNgā hōtaka Whare Wānanga me Te Pūkenga,
If you’re over 20, you may be able to enrol at a university or a division of Te Pūkenga without a tertiary entrance qualification.
Find out more about possibilities for adult or mature students on education providers’ websites or get in touch with their student liaison officer directly.
Micro-credentialsNgā tohu iti motuhake,
A micro-credential proves you’ve achieved specific skills or knowledge. You may be able to use micro-credentials towards gaining a formal qualification. The education provider will know what qualification a micro-credential may be used for.
Credit work or study towards a qualificationWhiwhi whiwhinga mahi, ako rānei mō tētahi tohu,
If you’ve already got work skills or training credits, they could count towards a qualification.