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

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 fee

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.

What you will learn

Your tutors will support you in understanding your strengths and setting goals that feel achievable and meaningful. You’ll work on a mix of practical activities, teamwork, communication, problem-solving and self-management skills, which include:

How to manage your study and work effectively within teams.
Specialised information to solve relevant, field-specific problems.
How to communicate solutions across diverse media.
Developing personalised career and study plans that reflect your unique strengths and goals.

NEW COURSE | Essential Trade Skills

A practical, one-day-a-week course designed to build your confidence while developing transferable skills for a range of trades and customer-focused workplaces.

You will learn how to:

Use barista equipment, grinders, and basic café tools.
Deliver great customer service, including till use and order systems.
Work safely: hygiene, PPE, posture, manual handling, and hot-liquid safety
Compare tools and safety practices across various trades, including carpentry, hairdressing, and engineering.
Communicate clearly, work in a team, and handle challenging situations.
Understand professional behaviours employers look for: reliability, punctuality, and honesty.
Apply these skills in simulated café service and group-based activities.
Prepare for the workforce with interview skills, 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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