News

Jaden Olsen said he hardly went to school and didn’t really like it. He just turned up for exams and wasn’t sure what he wanted to do as a career. After finishing high school, he […]

Amid increasing costs in running aged care facilities, a Christchurch rest home chose to invest in training, including for their cleaning staff. They’re seeing the investment flow back through positive outcomes for their residents and for the overall business.

Aged care providers in the Wairarapa are setting competition aside to pool their resources in the name of quality elderly care.

A shortage in care and support services is looming as the New Zealand population ages. This story is published on Stuff on 15 May 2018.

MEDIA RELEASE 15 May 2018 Careerforce CEO, Ray Lind, has announced his resignation, and will finish up with the Industry Training Organisation on 2 November 2018. Ray became CEO of Careerforce in May 2011, and […]

Careerforce invites stakeholders to provide feedback on the review of the unit standards in the domain of Mental Health and Addiction Support.

The kaiāwhina workforce (non-regulated health and disability roles), consisting of more than 65,000 workers, is an essential contributor to integrated health provision and disability support in New Zealand. In 2013 Careerforce partnered with Health Workforce […]

Careerforce, with the support of Hospice New Zealand, has created an assessment package to recognise the competency of the workforce providing palliative and end of life care.

Sam Gray works for the Tauawhi Men’s Centre in Gisborne, a Family Works service providing non-violence and parenting programmes.  Sam is facilitator for the non-violence programmes for men who’ve been referred by Corrections or the […]

MEDIA RELEASE 6 March 2018 “The youth work sector is very excited to see the launch of Careerforce’s new Youth Work Apprenticeship programme,” said Jane Zintl manager of Korowai Tupu o Ara Taiohi, the professional association […]

“As a cleaner, you sometimes feel that you’re at the bottom of the hierarchy. Sometimes it’s nice to have that formal qualification to give you a boost.” Haley Taylor has worked for Laura Fergusson Trust […]

When Jenna Maguren first entered the doors of Community Connections in Lower Hutt in 2008 it was to access their disability supported living services. She has mild intellectual disability, needing support to live independently. Today, […]

Careerforce, alongside 10 other industry training organisations (ITO’s) has signed a historic agreement (Kawenata) with Waikato Tainui. This initiative represents an important step in the tribe’s plan to increase career opportunities for its people. The […]

As is the case with some of our Industry Training Organisation (ITO) peers, the Careerforce name doesn’t naturally lend itself to an intuitive meaning, leading to market challenges around recognition of who we are, and […]

Aged care and home care sectors keen to improve workforce literacy. More than a million working New Zealanders do not have the skills they need to participate fully in working life, a new report has […]

MEDIA RELEASE 5 Feb 2018   The New Zealand Society of Diversional Therapists welcomes a qualification that they now recognise as meeting the requirement for their members. NZSDT Inc. is the professional organisation for individuals […]

A message from Matt Matamua, Careerforce Kaumatua, reflecting on the meaning of Waitangi Day.   Tēnā  koutou e te Whānau whanui o te Toi Pukenga I’m sure that you are all looking forward to your Waitangi day […]

Invercargill stop smoking coaches say quitting is about finding one’s motivation. “Find that motivation that’s going to help you get through each day…conquer one day at a time,” said Jo Te Tai, a stop smoking […]

Caregiver Filimone ‘Tukai’ Rainibogi didn’t expect that his first-hand experience supporting loved ones through difficult times would eventually lead him to a career that he can now call his passion. Over twenty years ago, while […]

On reflecting on 2017, Careerforce chief executive RAY LIND says the Pay Equity settlement, while welcome, has not been without its challenges. 2017 has been an interesting year for Careerforce, notably due to the emergence […]

Press release today from the Minister of Education, Chris Hipkins announced that fees-free is available for enrolment into industry training programmes from 1 Jan 2018. Careerforce is awaiting details from the Tertiary Education Commission. We […]

Press release from the Industry Training Federation says new research from BERL confirms a trade apprenticeship is just as financially lucrative as a degree.

Initially published on INsite magazine.  Anne Maree Court is celebrating a milestone with one of its very own staff being the first to complete a Careerforce business programme. The Auckland retirement home is part of […]

The four industry training organisations (ITOs) that deliver on-job training to New Zealand’s burgeoning service sector workforce have joined forces to issue a ‘call to arms’ over mounting skills’ shortages. The first step has been an evidence-based report that highlights the contribution of the service sector to the economy; and to your health, lifestyle and personal well-being.

Careerforce received overall ratings of Highly Confident in both its educational performance, and its capability in self-assessment, having rated as Confident in its previous review (2013).

The final report found that “the organisation has a clear purpose and direction and is well led by a highly effective sector and industry skills-based board and senior management team” and that “Careerforce has effective processes that contribute to training outcomes. It is meeting the most important needs of employers, industry, trainees and government agencies.”

We are really proud of our Maori Trainee of the Year and recent graduate of the Apprenticeship in Mental Health and Addiction Support, Turaukawa Bartlett. He shared his kaupapa with Seven Sharp’s Billie Jo Ropiha […]

New Zealand’s volunteer sector is getting a professional development boost with the introduction of a new certificate aimed at experienced and aspiring managers.   Careerforce, the industry training organisation for the health and wellbeing sectors, […]

Careerforce business programmes can enhance the administration, leadership and management skills of the full team. We have designed a suite of business and management programmes from Levels 3 through to 6. These programmes were developed in […]

Yesterday was bittersweet  for more than 200 Cadbury employees, affectionately known as “the Cadbury family”. They have spent the past few months training with Competenz and Careerforce to ensure they have the skills  for  new […]

Pacific learners engaged in workplace training have the best chance of success when they are part of a supportive team learning environment, new research shows. A new research report, Pacific Learner Success in Workplace Settings, […]

Growing up in South Auckland suburb of Otara gave youth worker Rocky Misiepo a good insight into the many challenges facing young people in his community.   “I think I understand the dynamic of our […]

A Pacific Perspective: Careerforce’s 2017 Pasifika Trainee of the Year Christina Taefu shares her thoughts on workplace training challenges and opportunities for New Zealand’s Pacific Communities. A new research report, Pacific Learner Success in Workplace […]

A little help from her friends transformed Tongan support worker Ainise Toupili from someone who hated reading anything in English to a confident learner with a Level 3 Health and Wellbeing qualification under her belt. […]

Mary-Claire Witteman explains why choosing the right Topic was important to help her get started and stay motivated.   Mary-Claire is one of the recent graduates of the Apprenticeship in Community Facilitation (Diversional Therapy). She’s […]

Every year on 8 September, the world takes time to highlight world literacy rates and reflect on the remaining literacy challenges. This year the theme of International Literacy Day is ‘Literacy in a Digital World’ and […]

Care and support workers with overseas-gained nursing qualifications who also hold certain New Zealand tertiary qualifications will be considered equivalent to Level 4 for pay equity purposes.   Careerforce, the health and wellbeing Industry Training […]

Hastings disability support worker Estella Carmichael has been chosen from the pool of 148,000 apprentices and industry trainees in New Zealand to be part of the annual Got a Trade? Got it Made Future Leaders […]

A non-profit social services organisation has won a prestigious Careerforce award for its commitment to staff training. Presbyterian Support Northern – Enliven was crowned Employer of the Year at the Careerforce Training Excellence Awards ceremony at […]

A childhood dream of being a nurse is one step closer to becoming true for long-serving primary care practice assistant Deb Morrison. Deb has worked at the Belfast North Mediqual Doctors in Christchurch for 15 […]

A diversional therapist, a youth coach, a mental health worker and a disability support worker are the winners of this year’s Training Excellence Awards, hosted by the Industry Training Organisation Careerforce.   Thames-based youth worker […]

Careerforce, the Industry Training Organisation for the health and wellbeing sectors, kicked off its third Workforce Development Conference at Te Papa on Monday. Careerforce Chief Executive Ray Lind says the conference is a meeting of […]

New Zealand is fortunate to have such rich cultural diversity and wealth of knowledge within our care and support workforce.   In our new role assessing care and support qualifications for pay equity equivalence, we’ve […]

When you’ve had trouble with the Police and your school or family life seems to be falling apart, it can be hard to stay focused and on track.   That’s something McKenzie Tuala-Pine knows only […]

A Thames mental health apprentice who is a passionate advocate and community leader is up for an industry award. Turaukawa Sam Bartlett is an Alcohol and Other Drug Youth Worker/Student Counsellor from Te Korowai Hauora o Hauraki, […]

We feel really honoured to be working with employers who value their staff and who put a premium on providing quality service and support to their clients. It was really hard to put forward finalists […]

I was told of a person working in a rest home who is much loved and respected, who came over from the Philippines with her family in the 1980s. This lady, like many of New […]

Careerforce is excited to launch its new business and management programmes at Levels 5 and 6. Leaders and managers in the health, wellbeing and hygiene sectors now have the opportunity to develop their leadership skills […]

Since being tasked to establish the equivalency of care and support qualifications for pay equity purposes, Careerforce have now received over 5000 queries about care and support qualifications that may or may not be equivalent […]

Finalists for this year’s Trainee of the Year award came from the home and community, aged care and youth work sectors. All finalists are highly commended by their employers and colleagues. They exemplify dedication to […]

A Rotorua woman who works to help make a difference in her community by helping people quit smoking is up for an industry award. Careerforce, the Industry Training Organisation for the health and wellbeing sector […]

Finalists for the Pasifika Trainee of the Year award category of this year’s Careerforce Trainee Excellence Awards have all shown outstanding commitment to their community balancing that with their personal and professional commitments. Representing different […]

Finalists for Māori Trainee of the Year are committed to training and professional and personal development. They use their knowledge and skills to contribute to their whānau and iwi. They touch different people in their […]

The Apprentice of the Year award goes to the most well-rounded apprentice who is currently undertaking or has recently completed a Careerforce apprenticeship programme. This year’s finalists all show commitment to their apprenticeship training and […]

The very first cohort of New Zealand’s Health and Wellbeing Apprentices will be celebrated in style at a graduation evening next month, as part of the Careerforce Workforce Development Conference (CWDC), hosted at Te Papa […]

We’ve been overwhelmed by the quality of the entries we’ve received for the Careerforce Training Excellence Awards 2017. We are honoured to be working to support passionate organisations and employees who are making such a positive […]

Care and support workers holding nursing degrees from the Philippines, India, South Africa, Australia and the United Kingdom now hold qualifications equivalent to the New Zealand Certificate in Health and Wellbeing (Level 3). Industry training […]

MEDIA RELEASE: 14 July 2017 A deep understanding of the unique bi-cultural setting of New Zealand’s health system must be demonstrated by care and support workers holding international nursing degrees who wish to gain equivalency to […]

Careerforce chief executive Ray Lind reflects on what the pay equity settlement means for care and support workers and their employers. I was told of a person working in a rest home who is much […]

MEDIA RELEASE: 10 July 2017 Care and support workers holding nursing degrees from the Philippines, India, South Africa, Australia and the United Kingdom now hold qualifications equivalent to the New Zealand Certificate in Health and […]

MEDIA RELEASE: 10 July 2017 Careerforce, the Industry Training Organisation (ITO) for the health and wellbeing sectors, has been tasked under new legislation to take on a new role to support the recognition of the […]

By: Lara Somervell – HR Advisor, Careerforce Winter mornings are dark and cold. And with less time outside and reduced exposure to the sun, it can leave you feeling less than excited to get out […]

Youth worker Rachel Whiteman knows how important it is for young people to feel that someone has got their back.   Growing up in the Waikato, Rachel says that during her youth her boss “took me […]

Careerforce to kick off Workforce Development Conference   MEDIA RELEASE 04 July 2017   Pay equity, suicide prevention and the state of mental health in New Zealand will be hot topics at the third Careerforce […]

Pay Equity In April 2017, the Government signed a $2 billion pay equity settlement which will be delivered to New Zealand’s 55,000 care and support workers over the next five years. As per the Care […]

A Whangarei local man is on a mission to give back to his community by mentoring the area’s youth population.   Youth coach Victor Dunn-Schwenke helps young people who aren’t in school get into training […]

Apprentice Maddi Duley’s idea of “dream job” doesn’t exactly tick all the boxes for most teenagers. The 18-year-old is an apprentice in aged care, a position she admits other young adults struggle to understand.   But she […]

As mental health issues comes more and more into the spotlight, three support workers within the industry in Taranaki say they love their jobs. Diane Riddick is a mental health support worker for Pathways Health […]

A childhood love for helping people has seen Madeleine Duley blossom in her role as Activities Assistant for Blenheim’s Redwood rest home. “I came into work with my mum one day and because our Diversional […]

A new programme hopes to meet the needs of increasing demands in mental health. An opportunity for staff in the sector to upskill with a mental health and addiction support qualification aims to give a boost […]

Kim Bradnock never thought a volunteer admin role to fill in time when her children started school would lead to her coordinating her community’s support group. She’s been part of the Horowhenua Supergrans team at […]

A new mental health and addiction support qualification is providing a boost to the Southern region’s mental health sector. Mental health and disability services provider Pact is supporting staff to upskill through a workplace-based training […]

Sheril Davy, veteran youth worker has a message to share: out of sight and out of mind, New Zealand’s rural youth population is suffering. Mental health issues, the normalisation of drug and alcohol addictions, minimal […]

Apprentices, trainees and workplaces across New Zealand’s Hygiene, Health and Wellbeing sector are invited to take part in the 2017 Careerforce Training Excellence Awards.

The Careerforce Training Excellence Awards recognises employees and employers who are committed to training, professional development, and in making a difference in the lives of New Zealanders.

Careerforce Chief Executive Ray Lind says these awards are the first of their kind for the health, wellbeing, social and community services, cleaning and pest management sectors.

There’s no such thing as a typical day in Matt Rawling’s job.

By night he is a support worker at The Salvation Army’s Drug and Alcohol residential centre in Dunedin, and by day he ensures the smooth running of the organisation’s Bridge programme.

Matt gets to work alongside his clients all the way through their recovery journey in his dual role as administrator/support worker.

“Apprenticeships are much more than just trades,” says Penny Rogers, Manager for Apprenticeship and Vocational Training at Industry Training Organisation (ITO) Careerforce.

“The term ‘Apprenticeship’ usually makes people think of the traditional bricks-and-mortar style workplace training,” Ms Rogers says.

“But a new suite of Apprenticeship programmes are now available for the health and wellbeing sectors – a first for New Zealand!”

On the eastern outskirts of Fielding in the Manawatu region you’ll find St Dominics Centre.

Spread across 25 acres of rural surrounds, the Centre provides supported residential recovery accommodation for people living with mental illness.

This is Corina Bond’s workplace where she is the Programme Coordinator.

A childhood dream of being a nurse is one step closer to becoming true for long-serving primary care practice assistant Deb Morrison.

Deb has worked at the Belfast North Mediqual Doctors in Christchurch for 15 years and thanks to a workplace-based training programme, she is on a mission to upskill and follow her dreams.

“I’ve always wanted to do my training as a nurse but I never had the opportunity to do this when I was growing up,” she says.

Combining an Apprenticeship in Brain Injury Rehabilitation with her experience in Spinal Cord Injury seemed like natural progression for veteran health worker Sally Brown.

But Sally is not your average Apprentice – she is also the lead Assessor for Healthvision, overseeing a team of around 200 support staff in the Auckland region for the specialised home healthcare provider.

Last updated 13:01, May 16 2017 There’s not many jobs where you can turn up to work dressed as an Irish bar wench without anyone batting an eyelid. But for Pauline Plewinski,  it’s all part of the […]

Once a troubled youth himself, Paul Lavea later found himself drawn to a career as a youth worker. He says that calling has turned out to be a blessing, allowing him to serve and support […]

Nestled in the heart of Queenstown, Happiness House offers a safe, warm, non-judgemental, home-like environment for the local Wakatipu community. “Anyone is welcome to come in, socialise, make a cup of tea and feel comfortable, […]

A desire to help change lives and support the growing number of trainees who work with the vulnerable in our society inspired Sarah Orr to join Careerforce. One of our newest recruits, Sarah recently joined […]

Tracey Currie firmly believes in putting the “care” into mental health care. “I was always the type of kid who wanted to help other people,” says the Balclutha-based mental health and disability support worker. “I’d […]

There’s not many jobs where you can turn up to work dressed as an Irish bar wench without anyone batting an eyelid. But for Pauline Plewinski, her clients are more likely to hit her up […]

MEDIA RELEASE 05 May 2017 New Zealand’s health and wellbeing sector needs an injection of younger workers to combat an imminent skills shortage, according to a new report by a leading economic research agency. The […]

A south Otago mental health worker is concerned people do not know where to find help. PACT’s Balclutha Link Centre mental health worker Tracey Currie said there was a problem in the region with making […]

Careerforce has joined At Your Service Aotearoa’s call to arms over a mounting skills shortage within the service sector workforce and urges greater focus on workplace training. As the Industry Training Organisation for the health […]

More and more workplaces are seeing the benefits of workplace training for their staff and their business. Compass shares their experiences and learnings.

Mental health and disability industry veteran Lis Langstone hopes a nationally recognised workplace training programme will help her and her staff best support those with mental health and addictions in their local community. Ms Langstone […]

Mental health worker Tracey Currie says self-reflection is a “powerful tool” support workers can use to achieve better outcomes for their clients. Tracey works as a Coordinator with PACT’s Balclutha Link Centre in South Otago, […]

Aged care support workers from Counties Manukau Homecare Trust are celebrating a workplace success after graduating with a nationally recognised Careerforce qualification. And the best part is, their workplace training programmes have allowed them to gain […]

Veteran hospital cleaner Lise Taisalika has caught the professional development bug and is on a mission to upskill her way into a managerial position. Joining Auckland Hospital 11 years ago as a part-time cleaner, Lise […]

Deacon Fisher realised his true passion lay in community health and wellbeing. He learned and worked his way to complete a Support Work qualification.

  Keeping people with dementia at home in the community is one way to manage the ticking time-bomb of rising dementia rates, says Careerforce CEO Ray Lind. “We believe the community care model is part […]

Mental health and addiction outcomes in rural New Zealand will benefit from greater focus on workplace training

Industry training should play greater role in preparing New Zealand school-leavers for the workforce, says the head of Industry Training Organisation, Careerforce. With only three in ten high school-leavers going to university, post-school education should […]

Christchurch orderly is first to achieve orderly qualification through workplace training now helps co-workers in their own training journey.

Get trained as an orderly for an extremely rewarding career. This job is for hands-on people who have compassion for the sick, injured and elderly. When patients are at their most difficult times e.g. being […]

Deaf Aoteroa made sure workplace training is accessible to their Deaf staff. Find out how they did it and why they think it’s well worth the effort.

We asked Deaf Aotearoa how they supported their staff in training when they were spread far and wide across the country. Find out what worked for them.

Find out why Deaf Aotearoa invested in training their staff and what benefits the organisation gained, as well as their clients.

How can you develop and retain high performing staff whose knowledge and experience contribute to your organisation’s success? Finding ways to reward your staff and strengthen their loyalty to you doesn’t have to break the bank.

“How do you want your organisation to be perceived?” This is an important question when building your brand, strengthening your image and bringing in new clients. Alongside the quality of your products and services, the […]

Watch people achieve something they didn’t think they could do. See the progress in people as they gain their independence. See the smile on their faces. Choosing a rewarding career as a Brain injury rehabilitation […]

Staff came together for the 2016 Pacific Homecare end of year function, to celebrate the achievements of the year including graduations, a weight loss challenge and employees of the month. Although a tough year for […]

Demand for workers in the dental services industry is likely to be influenced by the ageing population. In the next 20 years, the over 65 population is expected to increase by 84%*. Meeting the oral […]

For the first time, Waitemata DHB managed to train healthcare assistants from various clinical areas thanks to Careerforce flexible work-based training programme.

Change to a rewarding and fulfilling career Are you ready to switch to a fulfilling career in the Health and Wellbeing sectors? Having a career in these sectors could be more accessible and achievable than […]

Let’s take a look back at the big wins for Careerforce in 2016 which includes launching apprenticeships, MyPath, and REAL. Plus winning an award.

Choose a career as a Diversional therapist and make a big difference to people’s emotional, social and physical wellbeing. In New Zealand, the over 65 population is estimated to increase by 84% in the next […]

As a Pest control technician you’ll help to keep people safe by determining proper treatment and removal of infestations of pests such as insects and rodents.  You can get paid to get qualified as a […]

Learn from an aged residential facility on how to handle an earthquake when you are looking after your clients.

Background to the Kaiāwhina Workforce Action Plan In late 2013, Careerforce and Health Workforce New Zealand (HWNZ) agreed to develop a 20-year vision and a five-year workforce action plan that would raise awareness and opportunities […]

In the next 20 years the New Zealand population is expected to grow by 20% (from 4.2 million to 5 million). However the over 65 population is estimated to increase by 84%* increasing the need […]

2,400 new people are needed in the NZ Mental Health and Addiction sector by 2020 to meet employment growth and replacement demand. And you can become one of them. As a MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT WORKER […]

Currently we don’t have enough people working in the health and wellbeing sectors to look after our ageing and diverse population. This problem is expected to grow. This shortage is a great opportunity for the […]

Youth workers support young people and their families by helping them develop quality relationships, build healthy connections, and provide them with guidance regarding education, training and employment.

New Zealand business has been celebrated in style as more than 600 guests from the government, academic and business sectors came together to honour the winners of the 2016 AUT Business School Excellence in Business […]

The struggles are real for the person afflicted with mental illness and for their family or whānau.

You already know the benefits to training like improved productivity, better staff morale and a higher level of client care. But sometimes, the road to training has a number of barriers that can be difficult to […]

Read about Wendy Biddle, a Future Business Leader Nominee from Careerforce and role as a disability support worker.

Read the July 2016 issue of REAL News here  

Our cleaners are true super heroes, keeping our communities safe by winning the war against bacteria.

Read about Rebekkah Marquet, a Future Business Leader Nominee from Careerforce and role in the cleaning industry.

The New Zealand Certificate in Cleaning (Level 3) with optional strands in Specialist Cleaning and Supervision is now open for enrolment. Let us help you get that competitive advantage by supporting your workplace training needs. […]

Learning and assessments are available for Cleaning Level 2. An online learning and assessment support tool developed to support workplace training.

A clean environment is critical to staying healthy. As the Havelock North community rebounds from the debilitating infection that swept through the community, industry training organisation (ITO) Careerforce wants to help raise awareness of how […]

Wellington private hospitals, Bowen and Wakefield have put all of their housekeeping staff through the New Zealand Certificate in Cleaning (Level 2), supported by Careerforce. Both hospitals have said that the results have been outstanding. […]

Since the Open Minds, Open Doors programme commenced in 2015, Home Support North in Whangarei has seen nothing but positive results. Registered Nurse, Trainer and Assessor with the Whangarei-based organisation, Susanna Webster couldn’t talk more […]

Stopping infection in its tracks within a hospital environment is a team effort. But it’s one that – without competent cleaners – would be pointless. That is why Wellington private hospitals, Bowen and Wakefield have […]

Every cleaner knows they are an essential part of an organisation and when you have 200 plus proud, qualified cleaners looking after a hospital; Counties Manukau Health knows you have a recipe for success.  Last […]

Ray Lind has just been reappointed chair of the Kaiāwhina Workforce Taskforce.

Got a Trade Big Bus Tours 2016 hit the streets.

While New Zealand has just ranked fourth in the OECD’s Survey of Adult Skills for literacy, low literacy scores among workers taking part in industry training is still a problem, says Careerforce. However, it’s one […]

Literacy and numeracy education graduates discussed this crucial topic at a Careerforce graduation event recently.

Home-based carers took part in Te Pou funded training pilot alongside HWNZ and Careerforce to get carers qualified.

Careerforce has been selected as a finalist in the 2016 AUT Business School Excellence in Business Support Awards. Recognised for excellence in the Not for Profit category, Careerforce joins finalists across ten categories at this […]

Workplace training in the aged care sector has just experienced a major win. The merger of the Health Ed Trust (HET) and Careerforce came into effect at the beginning of May and is a win […]

Regular Assessor Newsletters are sent to registered assessors.  Archive copies of newsletters are listed below and can be downloaded. REAL News – March 2018 issue In this issue, we’ve developed some new assessment procedures, additional level 3 […]

Health Ed Trust (HET) and Careerforce are set to merge – a move that has support from both the sector and NZQA.

A 4.5 star hotel in Gisborne has put five staff through the (Level 2) Cleaning Certificate with the help of Industry Training Organisation Careerforce.

Careerforce is helping Kidsline student counsellors to get qualified.

MyPath, the Careerforce online learning platform is now live. Trainees will have the option to do their learning online through MyPath. They will receive their own login and password to access their personal dashboard. Currently, […]

Careerforce introduces apprenticeship training in the health and wellbeing, disability, mental health and social and community sectors.

The health and wellbeing of those living on Waiheke Island is on the improve as an increasing number of health support workers take part in training.

Work is already underway in the health and disability sectors towards achieving the Kaiawhina Workforce 5-year actions.

Quality training for cleaners is an investment in business and best practice. Trained and qualified cleaners help improve quality and safety and reduce some of the risks. Staff also benefit by gaining confidence and self-esteem […]

205 cleaning staff were filled with pride as they graduated with nationally recognised qualifications.

This study focuses on a specific piece of evaluation carried out for the organisation which aimed to discover how effectively the organisation is using training to support ‘training transfer’, that is, the application of the knowledge […]

The full programme has now been confirmed. Register before 31 August to receive the Early Bird discount. New Zealand’s national iconic museum Te Papa in Wellington is the venue for the 2015 Careerforce Workforce Development Conference (CWDC). The event will offer insights, experience and opinion from leading health, wellness and social service workforce leaders from both New Zealand and around the world.

A group of cleaners at Kaitaia Hospital have become the first people to achieve the New Zealand Certificate in Cleaning level 2 (Health).

A new training plan model has been developed in response to industry feedback with regards to respecting the existing competency of experienced staff.

The Social Service Providers Aotearoa (SSPA) and Careerforce are inviting everyone to the Best Practice Seminar Series. Have your say on future of the social and community sector’s workforce.

Keynote speakers have been confirmed and registrations are now open for the Careerforce Workforce Development Conference (CWDC) 2-3 November 2015.

Carers NZ invited expressions of interest from family carers wishing to achieve a New Zealand health and wellbeing qualification in 2015.

“Cleaning as an occupation is often underrated. It’s a hugely invisible industry”: Claude Gibbs, managing director Safety Work Kits and Careerforce Trainer/Assessor. Cleaning is a critical aspect of many business, tourism, education and health providers, […]

Over the past year some of the in-house cleaning team at The Princess Margaret Hospital (TPMH) and Hillmorton Hospital have been working towards gaining cleaning qualifications. CDHB Service Manager, Housekeeping and Uniforms, Pauline Tootell, says […]

The Kaiāwhina Workforce Taskforce has received the survey report and confirmed it for publication.  The Kaiāwhina Workforce 5-year draft actions were prepared between January and May 2015.  An on-line survey was developed with the purpose […]

Emmily Samuel started out as a support worker, gained her Level 2 and then Level 3 qualifications and last month completed her assessor qualification, all with the support of Careerforce. She’s now the training coordinator at Pacific Homecare and was voted employee of the month.

Careerforce is exploring youth opportunities and school pathways and is committed to encouraging younger people into the sectors we represent. We are pleased to advise that Careerforce is participating in this year’s Careers Expos at four […]

Survey is now closed We are pleased to announce that the Kaiāwhina workforce 5-year draft actions are now ready to seek support via this stakeholder engagement survey. The Kaiāwhina Workforce Programme is a partnership between Careerforce […]

Here is an opportunity for Managers including Clinical Managers and those aspiring to these roles. The New Zealand Aged Care Association (NZACA), in partnership with Careerforce, bring the following educational seminars to an area near […]

Careerforce is pleased to announce that the Wellington office moved to new premises on 2nd April. The new offices are based at Level 1, 189 Willis Street, Wellington. Telephone numbers remain the same. Should you have any questions on […]

These seminars are a way of recognising the important role that carers have in aged support and the community. This is a great opportunity for healthcare assistants and support workers to broaden their knowledge and […]

We invite registered and enrolled nurses to broaden their knowledge and gather the latest information relevant to their role.   The New Zealand Aged Care Association, in partnership with EBOS Healthcare and Careerforce are delivering a series […]

The workstreams are now fully operational and have up to eight members with knowledge of the health and disability sector and their particular domains. The Kaiāwhina Workforce Programme, a partnership between Careerforce and Health Workforce […]

Gerontology nurses and specialists gathered at the Waipuna Conference Centre in Auckland on 3-4 November to attend the New Zealand Nurses Organisation’s 9th Gerontology Section Conference.  The theme for this year’s conference was entitled “From […]

“We’re really pleased with the outcome of the training.  We’ve seen a marked improvement in self-esteem, and in confidence and status in the home,” said Nicola Turner, General Manager Enliven Residential Services When invited to […]

“We’re really pleased with the outcome of the training. We’ve seen a marked improvement in self-esteem, and in confidence and status in the home,” said Nicola Turner, General Manager Enliven Residential Services When invited to […]

The Kaiāwhina Workforce Taskforce and Working Group have now been set up. Key stakeholder groups and sector organisations came together in October 2014 for the first meeting of the Kaiāwhina Workforce Taskforce to set the foundations.

New trainees can now enrol with Careerforce for the National Certificate in Urban Pest Management (Level 2). Careerforce is excited to be working with PMANZ (Pest Management Association of NZ) and Pacific International to deliver this new revised programme.

Careerforce Peer Mentors are advocates who can help build a lifelong learning culture in your workplace. They can help to build a productive, highly skilled workplace, supporting the New Zealand Kaiāwhina workforce.

Careerforce is pleased to introduce a report summarising activity to date on the Kaiāwhina Workforce Action Plan. “Background to the Development of the Health and Disability Kaiāwhina Workforce Action Plan”. The document brings together the […]

A decision to have all employees with at least a Level 3 qualification, was made by the Chateau Village Nurse Manager, Rosemary Thomson and her board last year. That decision has born its fruit as […]

Complete the Senior Support Worker (Level 4) National Certificate in Health, Disability, and Aged Support.  Christina Vaingalo got another achievement ticked off her list, being also the first one in Creative Abilities to complete the […]

A number of Unit Standard versions and one unit standard expired at the end of December 2014.  Once a unit standard version has expired, a trainee cannot be assessed against that version.  (Assessments against expired versions […]

A new on-the-job-training scheme for Allied Health workers was launched in Canterbury recently. Twenty One Canterbury DHB Allied Health Assistants are beginning the new 15-month course, giving them the opportunity to gain a National Certificate in Health Assistance – Rehabilitation Assistance Strand.

Following the successful introduction of the Kaiāwhina Action Plan at the Careerforce Workforce Development Conference in May 2014, the domains and outcomes from the Kaiāwhina Action Plan framework have now been endorsed by the Boards […]

At the end of 2013, Careerforce commissioned some research in order to better understand how to increase participation, engagement and completion of its workplace-based qualifications for Pasifika peoples.  This research was carried out by Tina […]

In the spirit of a “good every day life” the team at Enabling Good Lives invite families and support workers to an event  to discuss recruitment, training and managing staff. Who? Families, disabled persons and […]

Careerforce is to proceed with the development of higher level qualifications on youth work following a previous decision to delay in February of this year. Consultation is ongoing from 17 July to 31 July.

“We are very proud of our people for taking on the challenge of formal education again – often having left school many years ago. They are amazing caregivers but mostly, they are fabulous people.” Suzanne […]

VisionWest Home Healthcare hosted their biggest graduation ceremony recently at the Glen Eden Baptist Church auditorium in May 2014.  Careerforce CEO Ray Lind was delighted to attend the ceremony and to present certificates to the […]

After collating your questions and feedback, we tried our best to answer them in this page.

We are pleased to announce that two more qualifications have been submitted to NZQA on 16 June 2014 for approval to list on the New Zealand Qualifications Framework.

Migrant workers are increasingly important to the New Zealand aged care industry because they are able to fill labour and skill shortages. This page contains links to guides and information for migrants coming to work […]

The Careerforce Workforce Development Conference was held from 20 to 21 May at Te Papa (Museum of New Zealand) in Wellington. The Conference was an opportunity to bring people together to discuss the challenges and opportunities that face the workforce in this sector.

Careerforce is currently awaiting approval of the new dementia unit standard from NZQA.  Once approval has been granted, we will begin accepting registrations to complete the unit standard.  Approval is expected by late January / […]

The Health and Disability Kaiāwhina Workforce Action Plan was introduced at the Careerforce Workforce Development Conference, held at Te Papa, Wellington 20-21 May 2014. Presented early in the conference programme, the plan was well received […]

The Report was presented at the Careerforce AGM on 21 May 2014.  You can access the report  here:   Download Report

Training health care assistants is a “win-win” both for the unregulated workforce and for patients, says the nurse leader of Waikato District Health Board’s training programme. Being able to offer a qualification in-house for free […]

There is a recent development on the development of NZ Diploma in Addiction Studies (Level 6). Please click here to view the update.   Updated on 1 October 2014 _____________________________________________________________________________ Careerforce are not proceeding with […]

Careerforce is excited to announce that the first of our New Zealand qualifications arising from the Mandatory Review has been listed on the New Zealand Qualifications Framework (NZQF). The New Zealand Certificate in Cleaning (Level 2) with optional endorsement in Health Care Facilities Cleaning was listed yesterday on the NZQF and is the result of nearly 3 years of work.

Earlier this month, thirty six support workers from Counties Manukau Homecare Trust graduated with a national certificate. The graduates were across the level 2 and level 3 qualifications.

Some of the world’s leading experts in dementia are set to visit New Zealand this November for Alzheimers NZ’s biennial 2014 conference Dementia: The Future is Now. Alzheimers NZ has today confirmed its keynote speakers […]

Northland DHB is proud to be one of the first DHBs to support its porters through the newly developed National Certificate in Health, Disability, and Aged Support (Orderlies) (Level 3). This NZQA qualification has been a joint venture between the DHBs, Careerforce and the Service and Food Workers Union.

Careerforce received approval to develop the following level 5 and 6 Youth Work qualifications in 2013. Since then, the sector has begun looking at the professionalisation of the youth work field. Further development of these qualifications has been placed on hold.

Keeping things running smoothly at Middlemore Hospital is what Moti Timoti does best. He is the first orderly in the country to officially sign up for a new national qualification.

Last year Careerforce received approval to develop two employment support qualifications at levels 4 and 6. Development of these qualifications will be undertaken in 2014 as part of our ongoing qualification development work.

The Supervision qualification was designed for providers of supervision within a variety of health and social settings. It was to be a level 6 qualification Careerforce and Weltec undertook consultation with the Health, Social, Human […]

Late last year, Careerforce received approval to develop a level 5 and a level 6 addiction studies qualification. Careerforce is continuing to consult with the sector on the development of these qualifications.

In July of 2013, Careerforce received approval to develop the New Zealand Certificate in Youth Work (Level 3) and the New Zealand Certificate in Youth Work (Level 4). Work is currently underway on the creation of the application for approval to list. Careerforce is consulting with the sector on the further development of these qualifications.

Careerforce and the Bethlehem Tertiary Institute received approval to develop two counselling qualifications in 2013. Since then, the sector has begun looking at the professionalisation of the counselling field. Further development of these qualifications has been placed on hold.

Careerforce and Primary ITO have been working together on the development of two pest management qualifications. Both these qualifications have been granted approval to develop by the NZQA. Careerforce and Primary ITO are currently working on the application for approval to list.

Careerforce has begun work on a new level 3 cleaning qualification. We are at the very beginning of this process and have not yet created the application to develop for NZQA. We will be undertaking a needs analysis for this shortly.

Careerforce has approval to develop the New Zealand Certificate in Cleaning (Level 2) with optional strand in Health Care Facilities Cleaning. In December 2013, Careerforce submitted this qualification to NZQA for approval to list it on the New Zealand Qualification Framework. We are awaiting a response from NZQA.

The 24 qualifications submitted in December for approval to develop are still with NZQA. There have been some preliminary discussions between Careerforce and NZQA and we hope to have the report back soon.

Salvation Army HomeCare has supported 250 support workers to achieve their NZQA Level 2 and 3 National Certificates in Health, Disability & Aged Support.

Disability support provider, Spectrum Care won an internationally acclaimed Gold award in the New Zealand Business Excellence Awards late last month.

When SILC received two Westpac Tauranga Business Awards on November 1, they agreed SwitchedOn had a large part to play in their success. The awards included the Bay of Plenty Polytechnic Community Organisation award and the ACC Workplace Safety Award.

Nothing is impossible for the team at Creative Abilities. Not only did they recently put on an Ancient Egypt-themed stage production, they all pitched in to create the entire set, props, and costumes.

When Waitemata DHB recently celebrated the graduation of 20 Healthcare Assistants, they also celebrated an improvement in patient care. “This transfer of learning is the ultimate benefit of training,” says Careerforce Chief Executive Ray Lind. “Patients receive higher quality care and that has a direct impact on health and wellbeing.”

As Careerforce celebrated its 10,000th Foundation Skills Graduate this year, Waiheke Health Trust can remember starting the journey. “Eight years ago we did Careerforce’s Foundation Skills training pilot, so our support workers were the first […]

Quality cleaning and infection control has a big impact on health and hygiene. Ensuring cleaners are trained and qualified is an investment in the future. Cleaners can complete the National Certificate in Cleaning and Caretaking (Level 2) in the workplace with support from Careerforce.

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Nelson Marlborough DHB recently celebrated its first health care assistant graduation with 10 graduates from Blenheim’s Wairau Hospital completing the National Certificate in Core Competencies (Level 3).

Auckland’s Spectrum Care wants to make more of a difference for people with disabilities, with their new training programme for Senior Support Workers. “We’re excited, and the great thing is we have 105 staff on the list who want to do it,” says Training Coordinator Dorlé van der Westhuizen. “They’re keen to take their learning to the next level.”

Trish McQueen is eagerly awaiting her graduation to mark her completion of the National Certificate in Foundation Skills. “I have a disability, and I have the right to do what I want to do,” says Trish. “I set this goal because I wanted to challenge my brain and do something different.”

Six unit standards have been drafted to meet the outcomes of the existing New Zealand Certificate in Public Health. Now is your chance to have your say.

Workplace training inspiration Pacific Homecare were the winners of the Skills Highway Award at last week’s diversity awards. The award recognised Pacific Homecare’s commitment to developing their staff and enhancing their South Auckland community.

A word from our CEO. August 28, 2013 Good News! We are increasing support for employers to encourage more training. This is turning into another year of significant growth and our funder, TEC, has agreed to […]

Auckland’s ABI rehabilitation celebrated a big milestone with their first Brain Injury Support (Level 4) graduation.

The Qualifications Review is full steam ahead! Every qualification listed on the New Zealand Qualifications Framework will be changing to some degree as a result of the Review. How much it changes and how that change affects you will vary.

Beginning in 2011, the three moving and handling unit standards for health, disability and aged support were reviewed to ensure they are current, relevant and fit for purpose. After extensive consultation the unit standards have all changed to varying degrees and this has impacted a number of qualifications.

Skills recognition is a holistic approach to assessment that enables experienced staff to gain a qualification. Careerforce have introduced a Skills Recognition programme that will allow experienced youth leaders to achieve the National Certificate in Youth Work (Youth Leadership) (Level 3).

The Careerforce shop becomes your one stop shop. We receive a wealth of feedback from assessors, workplaces and trainees and we’re listening. We’ve moved our trainee assessments from our website to the shop for free download.

Careerforce and Māori workforce development organisation Te Rau Matatini, are both committed to enhancing health and wellbeing through workforce training. The hui enabled the organisations to share information on the National Certificate in Mental Health & Addiction Support qualification (Level 4).

You told us what you want and we listened. Now we’re introducing a new assessment style! Each month our trainees and assessors send us nearly 100 assessment feedback forms. There are definitely some common themes and maybe they’re familiar to you.

Waitemata DHB Patient Care Assistants celebrated a major milestone last month. The team of seven staff members were awarded their National Certificate in Health, Disability and Aged Support (Level Three) after months of hard work.

Community Support Worker Karen Kell’s completion of the National Certificate in Health, Disability, and Aged Support (Foundations Skills) (Level 2) marks a significant milestone for health and disability employers and Careerforce.

Over the last two months, working groups have been reviewing 80+ Health and Disability, Social Services and Whanau Ora qualifications. Now you have the opportunity to determine whether their efforts have achieved the following guiding […]

“The training helped me find new ways to support people. It makes you stop and think – how can I do this a better way? I know the people I support are benefiting from my […]

Careerforce is pleased to announce that the enrolment cost for the Dementia Limited Credit Programme will be reduced from $155 to $110 from 10 June 2013. Making dementia training more accessible supports the Government’s recent […]

The national review of qualifications, led by NZQA, will result in a smaller number of relevant qualifications, which best fit industry needs. Before the review, there were too many qualifications and some of them were […]