Te Wānanga o Aotearoa_Ako Education. Close up of korowai with weaving and feathers.

NZ Certificate in Study and Employment Skills

No fees
20 weeks
Study skills
Te Wānanga o Aotearoa_Ako Education_Certificate in Study and Employment Skills 2

Tirohanga whānui

Grow the skills and self-belief to take your next step in study or work

This programme covers the essential skills to help you:

  • Learn to study with confidence

  • Find, evaluate and use information

  • Access and reference a variety of content sources

  • Turn your thoughts into clear writing

  • Improve you communication skills

  • Build your digital capability

  • Practice problem-solving

  • Identify your strengths

  • Grow your confidence

With support from kaiako and your peers, you’ll set goals that fit your life, try out real-world tasks, and create a plan for what comes next.

He aha tāu ka whiwhi?

What you’ll gain from this programme

You’ll be able to:

  • Find, evaluate, and use information from a range of sources—on your own and in a team

  • Plan and present a well-researched argument using the right tools and media

  • Recognise your strengths and areas to grow and set goals you can act on

  • Map a study and/or employment pathway that suits your interests

  • Use digital, financial and problem-solving skills in study or workplace scenarios

Mā te mahi kao ako

Learn by doing

Take part in:

  • Applied projects

  • Practice research and writing

  • Practice your communication (including introductions, conflict resolution and negotiation)

  • Apply basic financial literacy to real-life situations.

You’ll get feedback you can use straight away.

Ngā ara e wātea ana

Where will this take me?

Use your skills:

Keep studying
Continue into Level 5+ programmes that build on your interests and goals or continue to a degree such as He Korowai Ākonga - Bachelor of Education (Primary Teaching).

At work
Step into entry-level roles or strengthen your readiness for work in your chosen field.

Community involvement
Contribute to whānau, iwi or community projects using your research, communication and digital skills.

He meka

Quick facts

  • Level 4 (Intermediate)
  • 60 Credits
  • 20 Weeks
  • NZ Certificate in Study and Employment Skills Level 4
  • No fees
  • NZQA Accredited

Paearu whakauru

Entry criteria

You can enrol if you: 

  • Are 16 years or older 

  • Are a NZ citizen or resident (includes Cook Islands, Niue, Tokelau) or Australian citizen/permanent resident 

  • Currently 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

Te wā

Time commitment

This programme is:  

  • Full-time  

  • 60 credits  

  • 20 weeks long

  • Classroom-based, with online sessions

Kōnae ako

Learning modules

Ki hea, mō āhea hoki au ako ai?

Where and when can I learn?

No classes are currently open for application.

Kaupapa anamata

Upcoming events

Close up of a red and black korowai

He Puāwaitanga Kaitāia 2026

Graduation Ceremony, Kaitāia

Corner of Mathews Avenue & South Road (SH1), Kaitaia
Free
A view of the audience watching the graduation awards stage

He Puāwaitanga Kaikohe 2026

Graduation Ceremony, Kaikohe

13 Memorial Avenue, Kaikohe
Free
Back view of graduates watching their awards ceremony

He Puāwaitanga Whangārei 2026

Graduation Ceremony, Whangārei

97 Western Hills Drive, Kensington, Whangārei
Free
A student receives their qualification during graduation

He Puāwaitanga Tainui 2026

Graduation Ceremony, Tainui

Gate 4 - Corner of Brooklyn Road and, Heaphy Terrace, Claudelands, Hamilton
Free
Close up of a red and black korowai

He Puāwaitanga Tauranga 2026

Graduation Ceremony, Tauranga

Bethlehem Baptist Church - 90 Bethlehem Road, Tauranga
Free
Two hands clasp a korowai cloak together

He Puāwaitanga Waiwhero 2026

Graduation Ceremony, Rotorua

390 Fenton Street, Rotorua
Free
Hands clasping a korowai cloak together

He Puāwaitanga Whakatāne 2026

Graduation Ceremony, Whakatāne

67 Keepa Road, Coastlands, Whakatāne
Free
Graduating students watch the awards stage

He Puāwaitanga Kawerau 2026

Graduation Ceremony, Kawerau

Rautahi Marae - 117 Onslow Street, Kawerau
Free
Close up of a red and black korowai

He Puāwaitanga Whirikoka 2026

Graduation Ceremony, Gisborne

Gisborne War Memorial Theatre - 159 Bright Street, Gisborne
Free
Close up of someone wearing a korowai

He Puāwaitanga Ōpōtiki 2026

Graduation Ceremony, Ōpōtiki

Ōpōtiki De Luxe Theatre - 127 Church Street, Ōpōtiki
Free
A woman in graduation robes and a man hongi outside the wharenui

He Puāwaitanga Waihōpai 2026

Graduation Ceremony, Invercargill

Southern Institute of Technology - 133 Tay Street, Invercargill 9810
Free

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