STAR Courses He Akoranga Whāiti
STAR courses let secondary and homeschool students explore new subjects, develop practical skills, and experience real-world learning in our purpose-built facilities. Get hands-on experience, try out different career paths, and take the first step toward your future success.
Students can complete STAR courses during school terms and holidays, and some courses offer Level 1 and Level 2 NCEA credits. Please get in touch with your school’s Career Advisor for more information.
Marlborough STAR Courses 2026
Location: NMIT Marlborough campus, 85 Budge Street, Blenheim
| Course | Unit standard | Level | Credits | Intake dates |
|
STAR Business Students will be given a practical opportunity to apply innovative thinking techniques within the business context and to develop an understanding of how entrepreneurial behaviours and innovative thinking impact business environments.
|
US22854 | 2 | 2 |
This course is held once a week, over three weeks. 24 Apr, 1, 8 May 28 Aug, 4, 11 Sep |
|
STAR Beauty Skills Marlborough Students will develop an understanding of technical skills used in beauty therapy clinics by observing practical demonstrations and performing beauty services. |
US28027 | 2 | 3 |
22 Jun - 24 Jun 07 Sep - 09 Sep |
|
STAR Hairdressing Salon Skills Marlborough Learn practical hairdressing skills in a salon environment. Be introduced to the tools and products of the trade, learn to shampoo hair and dress long hair into simple styles. |
US25439 | 2 | 2 |
11 May - 13 May 15 Jun - 17 Jun |
Nelson STAR Courses 2026
Location: NMIT Nelson Campus, 322 Hardy Street, Nelson
| Course | Unit standard | Level | Credits | Intake dates |
|
STAR Business Students will be given a practical opportunity to apply innovative thinking techniques within the business context and to develop an understanding of how entrepreneurial behaviours and innovative thinking impact business environments.
|
US22854 | 2 | 2 |
This course is held once a week, over three weeks. 15, 22, 29 May 7, 14, 21 Aug |
|
STAR Engineering Welding - Introduction This one-day course will introduce students to MIG welding in our fully equipped, industry-standard welding and fabrication workshops. |
N/A | N/A | N/A | 02 April |
|
STAR Engineering Welding - Intermediate This 2-day course provides students with an intermediate understanding of basic MIG welding. Students with no welding experience are welcome to attend. |
N/A | N/A | N/A | 01 Sep - 02 Sep |
|
STAR Beauty Skills Students will develop an understanding of technical skills used in beauty therapy clinics by observing practical demonstrations and performing beauty services. |
US28027 | 2 | 3 |
23 Mar - 25 Mar 22 Jun - 24 Jun |
|
STAR Hairdressing Salon Skills Nelson Learn practical hairdressing skills in a salon environment. Be introduced to the tools and products of the trade, learn to shampoo hair and dress long hair into simple styles. |
US25439 | 2 | 2 |
04 May - 06 May 08 Jun - 10 Jun |
|
STAR Cookery - Patisserie and Baking Gain cookery skills in a ‘real-world’ commercial kitchen service environment. Participate in the preparation for Rata Room café services by baking a range of cakes, bread and pastries for customers. |
US13272 | 2 | 2 |
12 May - 14 May 25 Aug - 27 Aug |
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STAR Bar Service -Mocktails Gain hospitality skills in a ‘real-world’ bar service environment. Students will prepare and serve a range of non-alcoholic drinks to customers. |
US21057 | 1 | 2 |
16 Mar - 17 Mar 04 May - 05 May 08 Jun - 09 Jun 03 Aug - 04 Aug 07 Sep - 08 Sep |
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STAR Barista Coffee Learn basic barista skills by preparing espresso beverages under supervision. |
US17285 | 2 | 4 |
09 Mar - 11 Mar 23 Mar - 25 Mar 11 May - 13 May 27 Jul - 29 Jul 24 Aug - 26 Aug 14 Sep - 16 Sep 19 Oct - 21 Oct |
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STAR Café Service - Table Service Gain hospitality skills in a ‘real-world’ café service environment. Students will participate in Rata Room café services, preparing and clearing customer dining and service areas and equipment. |
US14434 | 2 | 3 |
02 Mar - 04 Mar 18 May - 20 May 31 Aug - 02 Sep 27 Oct - 29 Oct |
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STAR Cookery - The Art of Pasta Get hands-on in the kitchen and discover the art of pasta. This practical course drops you into a real commercial kitchen where you’ll learn how to select ingredients, prepare fillings, and create delicious pasta dishes that look as good as they taste. You’ll build confidence using industry-standard techniques, explore flavours and textures, and learn how to finish and present dishes for service. There’s a strong real-world focus - perfect for students who love food and want to experience what working in a professional kitchen is really like. Expect flour, flavour, and a lot of fun along the way.
|
US13316 | 3 | 3 |
24 Mar - 26 Mar 8 Sep - 10 Sep |
