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Unitec Institute of Technology

New Zealand Certificate in Skills for Living and Working

  • Certificate

This two-year programme is for school leavers and adults with learning disabilities (including those with intellectual disabilities). Do you want to build skills and move into work or further study?

Key details

Degree Type
Certificate
Intake Months
Feb

About this course

In this programme, you will be able to use what you have learnt in real work and life experiences. There will be interactive group sessions focused on things like problem-solving projects, lifestyle planning and goal setting. You will complete reflective logs, online learning, and presentations.

Programme highlights
  • Develop communication and social skills
  • Improve numeracy and literacy skills
  • Build up your confidence, self-awareness, and self-esteem
  • Increase your knowledge and appreciation of Aotearoa
  • Improve your computer and goal-setting skills

Talk and Tour

Before you apply for this programme, we would love for you to join our teaching team for a talk and tour session.

These are for students, their families and whanau, support people, teachers, and transition specialists. Here, you can find out more about our programme, and take a brief tour of our Mt. Albert campus.

More Talk and Tour information

Literacy and Learning

You could also sign up for Literacy and Learning. This is a part-time vocational course for supported learners. It will give you the opportunity to transition into tertiary education. It will also help you develop work-related, independent, co-operative, and communication skills.

You will get a certificate as an acknowledgement for completing the course.

More Literacy and Learning information

New Zealand Certificate in Skills for Living and Working

You can also apply directly for our 2-year, full-time programme.

Year 1 - Skills for Living

  • You will create an initial plan to focus your studies on your hopes, dreams, and aspirations.
  • You will make friends while becoming more independent, and able to maintain your health and wellness.
  • You will be able to use problem-solving techniques, as well as numeracy, literacy, and digital skills in your everyday life.
  • We will support your transition from school to the next step in your life. This may be work or further study.

Year 2 - Skills for Working

  • You will be able to work for one day a week. Staff help you and your whanau find the right work setting for you.
  • You will be able to reflect on your work, so you'll be able to find, secure, and maintain future jobs.
  • You will understand the importance of having a good worth-ethic.
  • We will support you to make a referral to a supported employment agency such as Poly Emp, who will help with your career planning, job search, and support.

Fees

You may be eligible for funding under the Fees Free policy or the Training Incentive Allowance (TIA) through WINZ.

What next?

Once you have successfully completed the programme, you will receive the New Zealand Certificate in Skills for Living for Supported Learners (Level 1) with an optional strand in Skills for Working.

Graduates who successfully complete this programme will be able to have the opportunity to secure sustainable employment.. You may choose to be referred to Poly-Emp who will help you with your career planning, job search, and support.

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Entry requirements

1. Check whether you meet the following requirements, then click 'Apply Now' and fill in the online application form.

  • Be 18 years of age on the first day of the semester in which you start your studies
  • Be a New Zealand citizen or Permanent Resident
  • Demonstrate a level of English communication that allows you to participate in the programme

2. We will be in touch within 48 hours. You will need to provide the following information via your application dashboard:

  • Two forms of ID
  • A CV that demonstrates appropriate work or other life experience
  • Two references from employers or professional colleagues
  • Consent to a Police vetting check for the purpose of work-based learning placements

3. We may invite you and your whanau to an interview. This is so we can ensure you have the abilities required to succeed in the programme.

For more information, download the programme regulations

Programme Regulations

Study locations

Mt Albert

Career pathways

- Career opportunities will be developed individually, focusing on your individual preferences and strengths.

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