With financial support now available for NZQA training, there’s never been a better time for support workers to upskill and get qualifications that really count.

Getting a Certificate in Health and Wellbeing is a really useful qualification for support workers who are focused on self-directed support. There is a shortage of qualified support workers in New Zealand, but more people are starting to see the advantage of a job which is meaningful, rewarding and can be undertaken in your local community.

There are different levels of training available:

Level 2:  an introductory course for people new to support work. It aims to develop the entry-level skills and knowledge required to provide person-centred support safely

Level 3: develops skills and knowledge required to support and empower people in home and community settings. It is for people who are already employed as support workers, and you don't need Level 2 to do this course.

Level 4: is an advanced course designed for senior support workers wanting to take on more leadership roles. You will need Level 3 or another relevant qualification to enrol. 

The cost to undertake each Certificate does vary, depending on the unit standards chosen, but for Manawanui customers, if you’re keen for your support staff to upskill, this can be funded with Individualised Funding.

And it makes good financial sense why 2022 is the year to get your training underway:

• From now until December 2022 the Careerforce enrolment fee will be waived for support workers who are employees.
• Training grants are available to apply for from the Tertiary Education Commission to help subsidise the costs of training.

Disability training grants were previously available from Te Pou, but these have been put on hold while they are being evaluated. See this link for more information  https://www.tepou.co.nz/disability-grants

So if you are looking for Disability training grants, we encourage you to seek support through the Tertiary Education Commission – Te Amorangi Matauranga Matua Link here