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New Zealand Certificate in Skills for Living and Working

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? 

Level
1
Credits
75 (0.625 EFTS)
Campus
Mt Albert
Start dates
February
Duration
Full-time for two years

Programme overview

Changes are being made to the New Zealand Certificate in Skills for Living and Working. A new version of the programme, the New Zealand Certificate in Skills for Living (NZCSL) will start in 2025. When applying please be aware that you will automatically be enrolled into the NZCSL once your application is complete. 

In this programme, you will build upon your independent skills, learning skills, social skills and the responsibilities of being a tertiary learner. You will learn how to set personal goals and a plan to achieve them and empower yourself with communication and social skills. 

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 whānau, 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

An updated version of the New Zealand Certificate inSkills for Learning and working, 2-year course will start in 2026.

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. 

Admission 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 whānau 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

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 2025; please check back again soon.

Courses Credits Aim
Oranga - Everyday Living (BPED1101) 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) This course introduces students to effective skills in managing everyday situations, including establishing good routines and time management using aids such as digital devices.
Mahere Puukenga - Planning and Literacies (BPED1102) 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) This course introduces students to effective functional literacy and numeracy skills in everyday situations and for planning a future pathway to achieve personal goals.
Hauora - Health and Wellbeing (BPED1103) 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) This course introduces students to the concept of personal safety, Hauora and problem-solving techniques in everyday living or community environments.
Rangatiratanga - Community Participation (BPED1104) 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) This course supports students in developing social skills and engaging in positive interactions in the community or in everyday situations.