Embedded Files
Tertiary education training, apprenticeship and gap year opportunities
Tertiary education training, apprenticeship and gap year opportunities
This page talks about understanding your teens' learning style and the different pathways and training opportunities available to them.
Learning styles
Learning styles
There are many different ways of categorizing learning styles, but the VARK model is one of the most popular. This model was designed to help students
learn more about their individual learning preferences. According to the VARK model, learners are identified by whether they have a preference for:
● Visual learning (pictures, movies, diagrams)
● Auditory learning (music, discussion, lectures)
● Reading and writing (making lists, reading textbooks, taking notes)
● Kinesthetic learning (movement, experiments, hands-on activities)
Click here to start the VARK questionnaire
When supporting your teen in making decisions about training options after school, we need to consider how they best learn and what environment best suits their learning needs.
Use these questions to start a conversation about potential study options that will suit your teen.
Use these questions to start a conversation about potential study options that will suit your teen.
● Are you an independent learner who always meets deadlines?
● Do you feel more comfortable creating or doing hands-on learning or in a lecture/classroom environment?
● Do you like the idea of being in lecture rooms with lots of people or would prefer a smaller classroom environment?
● Would you like to earn money while studying?
● How do you see yourself holding down a job while you study?
● What scares you about going to university. What scares you about accepting a traineeship or apprenticeship or going straight into work?
● Do you feel pressured to make a certain decision?
● Why, why not?
● What is your gut telling you?
New Zealand Universities
New Zealand Universities
Universities offer the highest and the most challenging level of education. The first level of qualification is a degree (NZQA Level 7) but students can progress to gain an honours degree, postgraduate diploma, a master’s degree or a doctorate (NZQA Level 10).
● AUT
● Victoria University of Wellington
Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships are where you “earn while you learn”. Majority of the training is “on-the-job”. On completion, apprentices gain one or more national certificates and become qualified in the associated trade. In New Zealand, currently there is a high demand for apprenticeships in a range of different industries.
● More information about apprenticeships
● Industry Training Organisations that support apprenticeships
Institute of Technologies and Polytechnics
Institute of Technologies and Polytechnics
If you are looking for a more practical style of learning and smaller class sizes you may want to consider an ITP or polytechnic. They have a range of subjects available and are often focused on an end job. Each institution has a range of qualifications ranging from a certificate (NZQA Level 3⁄4) to a degree (NZQA Level 7). Programmes are designed to suit people of all ages and stages of education.
● Ara Institute of Canterbury (ARA)
● Eastern Institute of Technology (EIT)
● Manukau Institute of Technology (MIT)
● Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology (NMIT)
● Southern Institute of Technology (SIT)
● Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology
● Universal College of Learning (UCOL)
● Waiariki Institute of Technology
● Waikato Institute of Technology
● Wellington Institute of Technology
● Western Institute of Technology at Taranaki (WITT)
● Whitireia Community Polytechnic
Private Training Providers
Private Training Providers
New Zealand has a huge number of Private Training Establishments (PTEs) and they are all very different in what they offer and teach. What links them all is that they are required to be registered with the New Zealand Qualifications Authority and their curriculum and academic standards must meet national standards.
Here is a list of New Zealand private training providers.
● https://studyspy.ac.nz/providers/pte
WĀNANGA
WĀNANGA
Wānanga are publicly owned tertiary institutions that focus on practical learning and embrace learning and teaching in a Māori cultural context.
Tertiary study is available from NZQA Level 3 to Level 10. The three wānanga’s are:
● Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi
Direct to Work
Direct to Work
Helping students go directly into the workforce, have a look at these links and they will help identify job opportunities, give tips on writing a CV and prepare students for their job interview.
● https://www.careers.govt.nz/job-hunting/
The NZ Defence Force
The NZ Defence Force
The New Zealand Defence Force includes the Army, the Navy and the Airforce. The primary purpose of the NZ Defence Force is to defend New Zealand in time of war. Peacekeeping and assisting in disasters are other key roles.
There are up to 80 different, diverse roles within the NZ Defence Force from combat to Engineering officers. One of the key benefits of working within the NZ defence force is the ability to “earn while you learn”. The camaraderie and friendship of living and working with others is another attraction for many.
● https://www.defencecareers.mil.nz/defence-careers/
GAP Year
GAP Year
Many students take a GAP Year at the end of Year 13. It can be a great opportunity to earn some money for tertiary study, gain work experience or see the world.
GAP years are valuable if well planned and have purpose. One of the most attractive options is to travel overseas. There are many opportunities to spend time working, exploring and volunteering. Here are some links to those options.
● https://www.tutorsworldwide.org/
● https://www.campamerica.co.nz/
● https://www.nanniesabroad.co.nz/
Page updated
Report abuse