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 and is a great way to boost the confidence and skills of your staff while they support you.

At Manawanui, we want to make things as easy for you and your support workers. We have 3 in-house NZQA assessors to help access funding grants, provide great advice and support throughout the process and carry out the assessment of unit standards. 

There are different options depending on your support workers’ current skill level:

NZQA Certificate in Health & Wellbeing Support Work Level 2

An introductory course for people new to support work or who have not done any formal education for some time. It aims to develop the entry-level skills and knowledge required to provide person-centred support safely.

NZQA Certificate in Health & Wellbeing Support Work Level 3

Level 3 is perfect for people who are already employed as a support worker or may have done other courses or have a higher level of technical skills. It helps support workers develop skills and knowledge to support and empower people in home and community settings.

Please note: You do not need Level 2 to do this course.

NZQA Certificate in Health & Wellbeing Support Work Level 4

This is an advanced course designed for senior support workers wanting to take on more leadership roles. Applicants do need Level 3 or another relevant qualification to enrol. Level 4 aims to provide additional knowledge and skills to provide person-centred or relationship-centred care and support to people with complex needs.

Please note: Level 4 involves providing evidence of leadership

The cost to undertake the qualification does vary, depending on the Unit Standards selected. But, as a rough estimate Level 2 is around $1000, Level 3 around $2000 and Level 4 around $3500.

It makes financial sense to upskill your support workers now as there are Te Pou grants available that cover:

• $690 for Level 2
• $1050 for Level 3
• And, $700 for Level 4

Do note: This only applies to New Zealand citizens.

For Manawanui customers, if you’re keen for your support staff to upskill, this can also be funded with Individualised Funding.

If your support worker/s decide to go ahead, the process is:

• Contact us and say you have staff interested in training
• Complete Training Agreement which the Assessor will forward to Careerforce. Please note, ID certified by employer is required. ID now has to be a passport or birth certificate verified by a justice of the peace.
• Once processed, the trainee will receive login details to Aka Toi online site which will have all their selected unit standards.
• We lodge these with Careerforce and once all unit standards are completed the qualification is awarded.

To find out more about NZQA training, the grants available or to get things started email Rebecca our NZQA learning facilitator: learning@manawanui.org.nz