Careerforce is a business division of  Te Pūkenga.  We support employers across New Zealand to run workplace training programmes for the health, mental health, aged care, disability, social services, youth work, cleaning and pest management sectors. We provide quality, accessible and flexible programmes that allow staff to achieve nationally recognised qualifications on the job.

Our key function is to support on-job-training.

Careerforce has developed ‘on-job’ training programmes that recognise and respect the knowledge and skills that workers already have. The training is employer-led, where the employer is responsible for the delivery of training, and assessment of employees who are enrolled in Careerforce programmes. We provide support to employers and their employees, including workforce development planning, the provision of learning and assessment resources, and pastoral care to support trainee success.

Until October 2021, Careerforce was also responsible for setting standards.  Historically, we have worked with the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA), to develop standards into nationally recognised qualifications (New Zealand Certificates or Diplomas), with regular reviews to ensure they continued to meet the evolving needs of the workforce. From 4 October 2021, this responsibility was passed to the following two Workforce Development Councils (WDCs):

  • Toitū te Waiora – the WDC for Community, Health, Education and Social Services www.toitutewaiora.nz
  • Ringa Hora – the WDC for Service industries, including cleaning www.ringahora.nz