STAR Courses

Discover your future with our Secondary Tertiary Alignment Resource (STAR) courses - designed to bridge the gap between school and your next step in study or work.

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.

More intakes added!

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 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

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.
Develop an understanding of sustainability concepts relevant to the hairdressing industry by examining sources of waste, product disposal, recycling, and strategies to reduce a salon’s carbon footprint.

US25439

11 May - 13 May

08 Jun - 10 Jun

Nelson STAR Courses 2026

Location: NMIT Nelson Campus, 322 Hardy street, Nelson

Course	Unit standard	Level	Credits	Intake dates
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 Automotive - Intermediate This course provides students with safe work practices and the basic knowledge and skills to strip and reassemble a four-stroke engine.	N/A	N/A	N/A	15 Jun - 16 Jun
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. Develop an understanding of sustainability concepts relevant to the hairdressing industry by examining sources of waste, product disposal, recycling, and strategies to reduce a salon’s carbon footprint.	US25439	2	2	04 May - 06 May 15 Jun - 17 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
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
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
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