Start tertiary or workplace learning while at school
Discover how you can combine NCEA with tertiary study and get work experience while at school.
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Combine NCEA with tertiary or workplace learning while at school
If you want to try out tertiary study or workplace learning, you can start while you’re still at secondary school. You may even be able to work towards a tertiary or industry qualification.
There are several ways you can do this, with programmes that can also help you achieve an award in a Vocational Pathway for NCEA Level 2.
Your options will depend on what’s available at your school, so talk to your teacher, career adviser, dean or Gateway or transition co-ordinator to find out what options your school offers.
Trades academies
Trades academies teach pre-trade courses to Year 11 to 13 learners. Pre-trade training is a good option if you want to try a trade before you leave school.
Trades academy programmes are full time (25 to 30 hours a week) and you:
- are enrolled at school, and study there or at another site such as Te Pūkenga
- study towards NCEA Level 2 or above
- study towards transferable, trades-related qualifications at NCEA Level 1, 2 or 3
- may try out a job in a real work environment.
Talk to your school's career adviser or dean, or a trades academy adviser for more information about this programme.
Services academies
Services academies are military-focused programmes in schools for Year 11 to 13 learners who are interested in a career in the defence force or are no longer interested in school studies.
The programme runs for 12 months and you:
- are enrolled at school
- complete challenging outdoor activities
- attend courses run by the NZ Defence Force youth development unit
- build physical fitness, and get leadership and life skills
- study for NCEA Level 1 literacy and numeracy credits
- study for NCEA Level 2 credits
- study for other trades-related credits.
Talk to your school's career adviser or dean for more information about this programme.
Gateway
Gateway programmes are for Year 11 to 13 learners who want to explore job options while studying towards NCEA.
In a 12-month Gateway programme you:
- are enrolled at school
- study for NCEA Levels 1 to 3
- try out a job in a real work environment
- learn and are assessed for specific work knowledge and skills
- study for trades-related credits.
Talk to your school's career adviser or dean, or a Gateway adviser for more information about this programme.
STAR (Secondary Tertiary Alignment Resource)
STAR programmes are for Year 11 to 13 learners who want to explore tertiary study while still at school. Many tertiary education providers such as Te Pūkenga and private training establishments (PTEs) offer open days, short courses and other ways to explore tertiary study.
In a STAR programme you:
- are enrolled at school
- study for NCEA Levels 1 to 3
- experience tertiary courses
- possibly start studying for tertiary qualifications.
Talk to your school's career adviser or dean, or a STAR adviser for more information about this programme.
Work experience options
Other ways to get work experience while still at school include internships and Workchoice Day programmes.
Find out more
Updated 6 Nov 2024