Overview

If you have basic computing skills (but no formal computing qualifications) and want to gain more skills while completing the majority of your studies in your own time, then this programme is for you! Services and equipment provided by us during the programme, include; a loan computer (including all software required), access to the internet & a freephone helpdesk.

Entry details

To be enrolled in this programme you’ll need to:

 • be at least 16 years old

• be a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident

• complete and pass a pre-entry test to show that you have basic computing skills.

What you’ll study

In this programme, you’ll learn about:

 • computer hardware and software

• email and local area networks

• word processing and schematic diagrams (using Microsoft Word 2010)

• spreadsheets (using Microsoft Excel 2010) • databases (using Microsoft Access 2010)

• desktop presentations (using Microsoft PowerPoint 2010)

• Adobe - Indesign, Photoshop and Dreamweaver (CS5)

• investigating the use of technology in an organisation

• kaupapa Māori (including tikanga māori, te marae and ngā kawa a iwi).

How you’ll study

This programme involves mixed mode delivery. Classes are held during the day or in the evening (including weekends at some locations). You’ll need to:

 • attend one, three-hour class session per week

• do 30 self-directed learning hours per week

• attend three, five-hour compulsory workshops throughout the duration of the programme

• attend one, seven-hour compulsory marae visit (haerenga1).

You’ll also need to attend a compulsory visit to a marae and embrace the use of karakia, waiata, pōwhiri, whakawhanaungatanga and basic te reo Māori within the learning environment during the programme.

Further study

This programme leads to the Certificate in Computing (Level 4).

Career opportunities

Skills gained in this programme will prepare you for a career as:

• an office administrator

• an administrative assistant

• a personal or executive assistant

• a receptionist

• a secretary

• an administrator within your own business

• an information technology (IT) assistant. Other career options available through further study in this area include:

 • roles in the information communication technology (ICT) industry, for example, software developer, multimedia and/or web designer, database administrator or technical consultant (entry level)

• jobs in other specialised industries (e.g., research and project management)