Frequently Asked Questions

From 1 August 2012, Learning State became part of The Skills Organisation, formerly known as ETITO, a multi-industry training organisation.

This means you will have greater access to learning resources and support, with field staff in more locations around the country.

We have developed a FAQ sheet that may answer your questions. If you have any further queries, please contact us on 0508 SKILLS (0508 754 557) or info@skills.org.nz

Workplace learning means you can 'learn while you earn'. Programmes of learning are designed to capture the skills and knowledge you acquire as part of your daily work, and measure them against standards on the New Zealand Qualifications Framework. This means a learner can achieve formal qualifications while at work.

Workplace learning may take the form of training by a designated workplace trainer, facilitated workshops, coaching and mentoring. Many organisations have in-house trainers, coaches and mentors to support their learners. Workplace learning often includes an element of self-directed learning in the form of assignments or questionnaires.

Much of our learning takes place in the workplace as part of our every day job. Workplace learning captures that knowledge and skills a person acquires and measures it against formal unit standards on the New Zealand Qualifications Framework.

Programmes of learning are made up of modules. Once a module of work has been completed by a learner, the material they produce by way of assignments or evidence of skill ability, is assessed against standards on the Framework. These standards have measureable outcomes which a learner must achieve in order for them to be awarded that unit standard.

Workplace learning programmes generally take one or two years to complete depending on the number of credits they are worth. Each programme has a recommended duration (as recommeded by the Tertiary Education Commission, or TEC), based on one credit being equivalent to approximately 10 hours of work. The programmes are also designed to be completed part-time in a workplace environment.

You will need your manager's approval to enrol in a workplace learning programme. Much of the cost involved in workplace learning is covered by an organisation as part of its professional development policy. Also, much of the learning material and resources a learner needs to access is specific to the organisation within which they are employed. If you are interested in one of our workplace learning programmes, and in gaining a formal qualification in a vocational environment, please discuss this with your manager first.

No. The Skills Organisation's role is to facilitate workplace learning for the public sector. We work with the sector to set industry standards, and then then ensure these standards are maintained.

We facilitate training through education providers. In some case larger organisations have their own in-house training programmes.

We also work with an organisation to identify employees who are suitably skilled to train, coach or mentor others in their organisation, and also those who are suitable to be workplace assessors.

Yes. Our programmes are linked to qualifications that are registered on the New Zealand Qualifications Framework (NZQF). Each qualification is attributed a level (for example, Level 3, 4 or 5) based on the number of credits, and the level of knowledge and skills a person needs, in order to achieve it.

These levels are applicable to NZQF-registered qualifications across New Zealand, whether achieved in a workplace (or vocational) learning environment, or through a polytechnic, university or private provider.