Interactive tools

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Worksheets

• Training research summary

 

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Action plans

• Going into tertiary study action plan

 

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Job matching

• Skill matcher

• Jobs by interest

 

Training and retraining

Considering training or retraining?

Are you considering making a career change that involves either training or retraining?  

You are not alone! Many people change their careers at least six times in their lives, so the idea of life-long learning is quickly gaining popularity. These days, it is also acceptable to continue to work while training in another field.

The flexible nature of further education in New Zealand makes it easier for people to train or retrain as adults. So if you left school without a qualification, don’t think of it as a barrier to entering a tertiary study or trade training. 

Here are some interesting facts to think about:

Things to consider as an adult student

As an adult deciding whether or not to train or retrain, there may be things to consider that are different from when you left school.  Some of these are:

• What type of training would suit your needs and goals?
• Can you get formal recognition for the skills you have or other training that you have previously done?
• The impact of your decision – who and what do you have to consider?
• Financial commitments – what would an income reduction mean for you?
• Work-life balance – will you have enough time for the people and things that are important to you?

What would you like to study?

If you are unsure what training you would like to do, spend time exploring what your future career goals might be.

• Making changes in your career
• Making a career decision
• Work through Pathfinder, the interactive tool to get career ideas
• Have a look at the industry section, which has over 600 jobs
  

What type of training would suit your needs?

Once you have decided what training you would like to do, think about how you want to train.  Here are some of the many options open to you:

• part-time study while working
• full-time study
• free courses
• Training Opportunities (TOPs) courses (government-funded)
• distance study
• apprenticeships
• industry training.

The decision you make will depend on your location, time, family and financial commitments.  In most cases, there will be a few different ways to do the same training, so it is important that you pick your preferred structure of training and the course that fits your circumstances.

You will also need to decide what level you want to study at – your options range from foundation courses in essay writing and study skills through to  Doctorates.

• Search our courses and training database to find out what courses are offered
• Have a look at qualifications and their levels
• TEC website – for information about adult courses and government-funded courses
• New Zealand Trade and Enterprise website – for information on upskilling for self-employment
  

Do you qualify for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)?

If you have been working for some time, have already completed a qualification or started one at another time, you may be able to apply for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).  This is worth considering as it could take some time off your future training.

Getting recognition for what you’ve already learnt

Using RPL to help change careers

Tony Kuepfer was able to use both his life and work experience as a glass-maker and tutor to gain credits toward a tourism qualification through recognition of prior learning.

"One unit standard asks you to identify tourism regions within New Zealand and talk about their climate, historical facts, geography, attractions, activities and events. I’d spent 13 years in the Taranaki, and had participated in a number of the activities. So I was able to very successfully spout out that – even down to where you could stay and who the transport operators are."

Tony Kuepfer, Museum Tour Guide and Trainer

 

The impact of your decision

The decision to train or retrain is a big one, and will no doubt impact your other commitments. Here are some things you might want to do to make sure that impact is as manageable as possible:

Huhana Smith combined part-time study with full-time work

"I talked to my friends and my partner about the PhD before starting it, but towards the end I did have to prioritise all my weekends finalising the writing – it was gruelling."

Huhana Smith, Curator

Read more about how Huhana worked towards her PhD

Financial information

Once you have decided which direction you will take with your training, consider the financial implications.  Some things to think about are:

• Are you going to be taking a loss of income?
• If you already receiving support from Work and Income, will your study affect your benefit?
• What impact will your study have on your mortgage, rent or other financial commitments?  Does your bank have flexibility around your mortgage repayments?  If not, are there other banks that may suit your needs better?
• How much does the course cost?  Have you considered doing a free course? Are there scholarships you may be able to apply for?
• Are you going to pay for your course with a student loan?  If there are course-related costs, what are they and how will you pay for them?
• Are you eligible for a student allowance?
• Are you eligible for childcare assistance?

Who you can talk to

The more prepared you are before starting your training, the easier it will be.  As with all life changes, be prepared for a time of adjustment. Make sure you don’t over-commit yourself in your personal life during those first few months.

• Talk to people who have undergone study or training and find out the strategies that worked for them.
• Most study or training courses offer student support, mentors or co-ordinators whose role is to support students.  Find out who they are and don’t be afraid to ask for support.
• Work with a study group. This will help you stay motivated.  If you are studying by distance, you will still be able to have group support by email.
• Ask for support with the other commitments in your life.  Are there some things that you are able to put on hold? For example, committing your time to groups, planning a large holiday etc.
• Talk to people who have finished the training you are about to embark on and find out what they are doing now.  What opportunities are there for you when you finish your training?