Information for secondary students and school leavers
Leaving school without qualifications
Whatever your situation, leaving school without qualifications is not the end of the road – there are many opportunities for you. In fact, 14,000 young people leave school every year without a Level 1 NCEA qualification. So what can you do?
On this page
Get into training or employment
If you want to continue some form of study or education:
- Sit your driver’s licence – this can open doors
- Improve literacy/numeracy through free private tuition
- Try a youth training programme
- Enrol in The Correspondence School to continue school at your pace
- Enrol in a bridging or foundation course to staircase you into further study
- Try a pre-trade training course to help you get into a trade
- Some industries provide on-the-job training
If you would rather start working and learn on the job:
Find support people and build your network
- If you are registered as unemployed, work with your Work and Income case manager or the youth transitions service to find opportunities.
- Ask for some free career planning help at Career Services.
- Teachers and tutors working in youth training programmes can help you succeed. Ask them for their help and support.
- If you are working on your own business idea, find mentors who can guide and coach you.
- If you have contact with youth workers or social workers, talk to them about your interests and job ideas so they can support you better.
- Parents, friends and family/whānau can help you if you tell them about your goals.
Already left school without a qualification?
Get advice from a career consultant on what you can do if you are in one of these situations.
I just want to start earning an income
School is a waste of time for me. I’d rather be out there earning money.
I’m an entrepreneur type – how can I set up my own business?
I don’t fit into normal school or work routines. I’ve already started networking and creating business opportunities for myself. I don’t need a qualification to get where I want to go.
I need help with English and maths but have left school
I’ve had difficulty learning at school, especially reading and maths. School learning just isn’t for me.
I got expelled from school – what can I do?
I’ve been in trouble at school and can’t go back. What are my options?
I’ve got a criminal conviction –who will employ me?
I got into trouble with the law. I’m pretty sure no one would want to give me a job.
I got pregnant at school – what can I do to further my studies?
I got pregnant while I was at school and had to leave. Now my child is old enough for childcare. My friends are going to tertiary study and I’ve realised I want to study too but don’t have the prerequisites.
