Upskill in Social Services

Qualification and programme overview

This Level 4 Social and Community Services qualification is delivered via an apprenticeship programme that is well-supported and resourced with a dedicated Apprenticeship Advisor providing pastoral care and support.

The Apprenticeship in Social Services provides the workforce with the skills needed to work alongside people, family and whānau and apply a person-centred approach to their support.

It enables apprentices to develop and demonstrate the skills that they need to work alongside people, family and whānau to support autonomy by using tools and strategies to reduce vulnerability and build resilience.

The programme includes developing and/or recognising the following competencies in the social services support workforce:

• Engaging and communicating with people, family and/or whānau who are accessing social and community services in a manner which respects their socio-cultural identity.
• Developing relationships and supporting a goal of improving outcomes for people accessing services.
• Understanding New Zealand’s health and wellbeing challenges and the impact on their role.
• Displaying self-awareness, reflective practice and personal leadership in the workplace.
• Actively contributing to a culture of professionalism, safety and quality in your workplace.
• Gaining an in-depth knowledge of a condition, impairment, situation or issue and applying the new knowledge to support clients.

Programme duration

The programme is likely to take between 12 and 18 months to complete.