Programme overview
Applications for 2027 are now closed.
This programme is for learners with intellectual disabilities and other learning needs who want to prepare for employment or further learning.
It’s designed to build on the skills covered in the New Zealand Certificate in Skills for Living for Supported Learners. You don’t need to have done that programme first. You’ll learn in the classroom, in the community and in a real workplace.
You’ll learn in a place where your goals, identity and culture are valued. You’ll finish with a clearer idea of what you want to do next and the skills and experience to get there.
What you’ll learn
You’ll build practical skills that help you at work, in study and in everyday life.
Key learning areas include:
- Knowing your strengths, values and goals
- Reading, writing and maths for everyday life and work
- Communicating in person and online, including email and text
- Managing everyday living safely and responsibly
- Health and wellbeing (hauora)
- Your rights, and where to get support
- Work-ready skills and teamwork
- Using your skills on a real work placement
You’ll learn through classroom teaching, hands-on practice in life-skills spaces, community and workplace visits, and marae-based learning that introduces tikanga and whanaungatanga. Most of your learning happens hands-on, in the classroom and out in the community. You’ll show what you’ve learned by building a portfolio of your work over time: photos, videos, work samples and feedback.
Is this the right programme for me?
| Skills for Living | Skills for Learning and Working | |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 1 year, or 2 years part time | 2 years full time |
| Credits | 60 | 120 |
| Focus | Everyday living, independence, confidence in the community | Skills for work or further learning, alongside everyday living |
| Work placement | No | Yes, 40 hours in Year 2 |
| Do I need another qualification first? | No | No. You can start here directly, or after Skills for Living |
| Good fit if… | Your main goal is more independence in daily life and the community | Your main goal is getting a job or going on to more study |
Not sure which is right for you? Come to a Talk and Tour, and we’ll help you work it out together.
Talk and Tour
Before you apply, we’d love you to join our teaching team for a Talk and Tour. These sessions are for students, families and whānau, support people, teachers and transition specialists. You’ll find out more about the programme and take a short tour of our Mt Albert campus.
This is also a great chance to talk with us about whether Skills for Living or Skills for Learning and Working is the better fit for you.
More Talk and Tour information
What comes next?
Graduates can move into employment, including supported employment, or on to further study, such as foundation skills programmes.
Admission requirements
To be admitted to this programme, you must:
- Be 18 years or older on the first day of the semester you start
- Be a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident
- Communicate in English well enough to take part in the programme
- Attend an interview with our academic team, with your whānau or support person, and complete a student profile. This helps us understand your goals, readiness and support needs.
You can start this programme directly, or after completing the New Zealand Certificate in Skills for Living for Supported Learners.
Note: Some work placements may need a Police vetting check.
For more information, download the programme regulations.
Courses and timetables
For more details on the courses, please click on the course names below. Please note that our systems are updating with new course timetable information for 2027; please check back again soon.
There are currently no courses listed for the current or following semesters. For information about Block courses, please see above in the Semester Dates section.
