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Tahatū is in development. There will be some disruptions while we make updates from 6-13 March.

Study and train at Te Pūkenga, Te ako me te whakangungu i Te Pūkenga

Updated 24 Mar 2024

Te Pūkenga is the place to find out about vocational education and training in Aotearoa – the kind of learning that takes you out of the classroom and into the world of mahi. This type of study or training gets you the skills and knowledge you need to walk straight into a great job and give back to your whānau and community.

A male waiter serves coffee to a female student at a table. She has a pen and notebook. They are surrounded by green plants.

What you can do through Te Pūkenga
Ngā mahi i taea mā Te Pūkenga,

Te Pūkenga connects you to vocational education and training programmes across the motu through its divisions. The types of programmes you can choose from are:

  • Become an apprentice or trainee – learn on-the-job, get qualified and earn money as you work.
  • Learn while you work – if you want to get ahead in your job, you can get qualifications as part of your normal mahi.
  • Distance or online learning – study from anywhere using posted or online coursework.
  • Learn on campus – learn alongside others in classrooms or workshops.
  • A mixture of these options to suit your circumstances.

What you get from Te Pūkenga programmes
Ngā hua ka whiwhi koe i ngā hōtaka o Te Pūkenga,

Vocational education and training gives you skills that can lead to an exciting career.

Whether you're looking for your first job or retraining, there are programmes to get you started in all sorts of industries. You can get qualifications for everything from building to aged care, and from viticulture to mechanical engineering.

You’ll finish your programme with a set of work-ready skills and feel confident you can use them for mahi straight away.

Qualifications you can get
Ngā tohu ka āhei te whiwhi,

Programmes offered through Te Pūkenga can lead to:

  • New Zealand Certificates at Levels 1 to 6
  • New Zealand Diplomas at Levels 5 to 7
  • Bachelor’s degrees at Level 7
  • Graduate and postgraduate certificates, diplomas and degrees at Levels 7 to 10.

New Zealand Apprenticeships lead to Level 3 and Level 4 New Zealand Certificates.

Where you can do a programme
Ngā wāhi e taea ai tētahi hōtaka te whai,

Te Pūkenga divisions providers offer programmes at over 150 sites across Aotearoa. You’ll have more local on-campus options if you live near a big town or city – but many programmes will be available online no matter where you live.

If you want to do an apprenticeship, remember that you’ll need to find a job first. That might mean it’s easier to find a building apprenticeship in Auckland, or a viticulture apprenticeship in Marlborough.

What you need to get into a programme
Ngā mea me whai koe kia uru ai ki tētahi hōtaka,

Entry requirements depend on the programme you want to do. Level 1 to 3 certificates might not have any requirements. For programmes at Level 4 and higher, you might need specific NCEA subjects or achievement standards at a certain level.

Find out what you need by looking up your programme on the Te Pūkenga website.

Check entry and programme requirements – Te Pūkenga

How to get help
Me pēhea te tiki āwhina,

There’s a lot to get used to when you start vocational education and training. Don’t worry too much – each Te Pūkenga division provider has advisers ready to help you.

You can ask about anything, like which programme you should choose, costs, equipment and how to find an apprenticeship.

Many Te Pūkenga division providers also have support services and networks to make life easier while you’re a ākonga. Check their websites to see what’s on offer like libraries, help with learning, Māori and Pacific peoples support, and financial support.

If you have questions or worries about learning material or coursework, you can ask your tutor or support services for advice.

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