New Zealand Certificate in Study and Employment Pathways (Level 3)

Tahatū, Career Navigator

Discover career possibilities and how to reach your goals. tahatu.govt.nz(external link)
Locations and dates

Marlborough:

16 February 2026

20 July 2026

Nelson:

16 February 2026

20 July 2026
Length

17 teaching weeks plus 2 weeks of study break
Total credits

60
Fees

2026: Zero fees

A Student Service Fee applies (2026; $2.50 per credit).

Fees listed are for each year of the programme, indicative only and may vary with course selection.

View course details for individual fees.
National qualification code

NZ2863

Take the first step toward the future you've dreamed of - one skill at a time, we’re here to help you get there.

This is an approved Youth Guarantee programme.

This programme is eligible for fees-free funding through the Youth Guarantee(external link), or an internal NMIT scholarship. Our staff will automatically review each application to ensure the appropriate fees-free funding is applied, student levy will be included.

Study and Career Prep Kharissa and Tiana v3 — Click on the image to read about Kharissa and Tiana's experience with a NMIT Study and Career Prep Programme.

If school didn’t quite fit, or you’re still figuring out your next step, this programme gives you a fresh start in a supportive environment. You’ll learn through real-life experiences — not just classroom theory — so you can grow your confidence, build skills that employers value, and prepare for further study or entry-level work.

This programme is ideal for individuals who want hands-on learning, require additional support to develop study habits, or are seeking a practical pathway into trades, service industries, or other vocational areas.

Join us and experience a learning style that feels more real, more applied, and more connected to the workplace.

A supportive environment

You’ll learn in small groups, with tutors who understand that everyone comes in with different experiences and backgrounds. Whether you need help building confidence, strengthening your communication skills, or figuring out what you want to do next, we’ll support you at every step.

Learning focus and skill development

Your tutors will support you to understand your strengths and set goals that feel achievable and meaningful. You’ll work on a mix of practical activities, teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and self-management.

This may include developing skills such as:

Managing your study and work effectively within a team environment
Using specialised information to help solve practical, field-specific problems
Communicating ideas and solutions across different formats and settings
Developing personalised career and study plans that reflect your strengths and goals

NEW COURSE | Essential Trade Skills

A practical, one-day-a-week course designed to support your confidence while helping you develop transferable skills relevant to a range of trades and customer-focused workplaces.

Examples of skills you might develop include:

Becoming familiar with barista equipment, grinders, and basic café tools
Practising customer service skills, including using tills and order systems
Learning safe work practices such as hygiene, PPE use, posture, manual handling, and hot-liquid safety
Exploring tools and safety practices used across different trades, including carpentry, hairdressing, and engineering
Developing communication skills, teamwork, and strategies for handling challenging situations
Understanding professional behaviours valued by employers, such as reliability, punctuality, and honesty
Applying skills through simulated café service and group-based activities
Gaining experience with workforce preparation, including interview practice, CV development, and cover letter writing

Your pathway forward

This programme is designed to help you move into:

Level 4 study in trades, service industries, business, computing and more
Entry-level employment where good communication, customer service and practical skills are valued
Apprenticeships or vocational training

If you’re ready for a new start, one that’s hands-on, confidence-building and connected to real workplace skills, this programme is a great place to begin.

Entry Requirements

All applicants must:

be at least 16 years old at the time the programme commences.
be able to read, write, and communicate in English at a basic level.
be physically able to complete the programme-specific outcomes.

Applicants for whom English is not a first language must have an IELTS score of 5 with no band score lower than 5; or an accepted international equivalence.

Information for applicants

The informal interview is designed to learn more about the applicant's background, experience, motivation, and ability to participate in, and successfully complete the programme.

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