Work-based learning provider, Careerforce, has updated its New Zealand Certificate in Health and Wellbeing (Level 2) programme to make it more accessible for learners. Changes include simplified language, and the addition of visual aids.
Level 2 Health and Wellbeing is Careerforce’s most popular full certificate programme and serves as an ideal induction qualification across five of the nine sectors the training provider supports. It helps learners build essential entry-level skills and knowledge, and pathways into Careerforce’s more specialised Health & Wellbeing Level 3 programmes.
Careerforce’s Manager of Product Management, Zelda Potgieter, says the learner landscape at Level 2 has become increasingly diverse.
“Workplaces have highlighted growing challenges among some learners, particularly those with disabilities, literacy difficulties, or for whom English is a second language,” Zelda says. “We’ve designed these updates to ensure all learners have the best possible opportunity to succeed.”
According to Careerforce, 30% of learners enrolled in Careerforce’s Health and Wellbeing Level 2 programme in 2025 identify English as being their second language, and surveys have highlighted this as a significant barrier to successful programme completion.
Key improvements to the learning materials include the introduction of more simplified language, dyslexia-friendly background colours, optimal contrast for text elements, and consistent formatting to aid readability. Visual elements now feature alternative text for screen readers and captions to provide additional context. Navigation has been streamlined through the use of intuitive icons, and learners receive clearer feedback on quiz results to reinforce understanding and retention.
Assessment formats have also been refined to offer greater clarity and ease of use. Feedback from test users has highlighted the new structure as being highly effective, with questions described as being more relevant and easier to follow. The format provides clear expectations for both assessors and observers, supporting successful task completion through a well-organised and user-friendly approach.
Feedback included that “this format is highly effective for both observers and assessors. It provides clarity and simplicity, making it easier to achieve the intended outcomes of the task. A well-structured and user-friendly approach,” and “a good format and very easy to read. Questions are relevant and easy to follow for the learner.”
Zelda adds “We’re excited to launch this new version of our Health and Wellbeing Level 2 programme to address the needs of our learners. We have had extremely positive feedback from our workplaces on the enhancements made – not just for learners but also for the significant benefits to observers and assessors.”
Rod Bentham, Executive Director for Careerforce, comments that “the Level 2 Health and Wellbeing programme is a critical entry level programme for the wider sector. Our investment in improving the quality of the learning and assessment will support improved learning outcomes which will ultimately deliver better outcomes for those vulnerable New Zealanders that the learners provide essential care and support for”.
To find out more about the Health & Wellbeing Level 2 programme contact Careerforce.
For all media enquiries please contact Paul Williams, General Manager Marketing, Communications & Insights on 027 600 7395, or at [email protected].
Careerforce supports employers across New Zealand’s health and wellbeing sectors to run workplace training programmes, allowing staff to achieve nationally recognised qualifications on the job. For more information please see: www.careerforce.org.nz
Isabelle Tong