Get the skills you need for your next step.
Build confidence, learn new skills, and find out what you’re good at with the Foundation Skills ‘Ake’ programme
This course is ideal if you haven’t got formal qualifications in NZ and want to start on a new career path or study journey.
You’ll get lots of support from our team of navigators to make sure you succeed.
This programme helps students build confidence, learn new skills, and overcome challenges that make learning harder.
They will discover how they learn best, what they are good at, and what they can improve all within a supportive environment.
Students will also learn how to set clear goals using simple steps to help them succeed.
This course teaches important life skills, like handling problems with others, staying strong through tough times, and practicing skills for work and study.
With plenty of support, students will feel ready for their next steps.
The programme is made up of six parts (each worth 10 credits):
- Understanding barriers to learning: Students will learn about the challenges that can make learning harder and how to overcome them.
- Learning skills and strategies: Students will explore different skills and techniques to improve how they learn and adapt to new situations.
- Setting realistic goals and expectations: Students will discover how to set achievable goals and create expectations that help them stay on track and motivated.
- Building relationships: Students will understand the importance of building positive relationships and how to communicate effectively with others.
- Resilience and wellbeing: Students will learn ways to stay strong during tough times and how to look after their mental and emotional health.
- Next steps and opportunities: Students will reflect on their progress and plan next steps for further study or career opportunities.
This course is only available to students who are eligible to study for free.
To find out more about whether you are eligible to study free, complete our Study For Free Quiz
When you finish this course, you’ll feel more confident and understand what employers look for.
This course will help you get ready for work or move on to further study in a subject you’re interested in, including our Level 2 Health & Wellbeing and Construction Courses.
You will learn
In this course, you will learn about how your thinking and learning styles connect to who you are. You will figure out your own learning style and find out what you’re good at and what you can improve to help you succeed.
The course will focus on setting goals and planning for success. Learn how to build good relationships and explore ways to solve problems when conflicts come up. You will also learn four different strategies to handle conflicts.
Next, you’ll learn why good relationships are important for your health and wellbeing. The course will show you how to set short-term goals using SMART principles and help you create plans to overcome any challenges you might face.
At the end of the course, you’ll reflect on your learning journey and the skills you’ve gained. You will also think about how to use these skills in your future study or work.
Studying at OCA
At OCA, you’ll be supported every step of the way with our Whānau Ora support, including access to services at The Fono.
Our culturally inclusive and welcoming environment ensures you feel comfortable while learning and growing. You’ll also receive ongoing mentoring, even after you start working.
Learning at OCA is hands-on and designed to match your learning style.
This project-based approach includes workshop practice, theory sessions, and practical projects to help you build confidence. You’ll work in groups, get plenty of feedback, and receive one-on-one support from experienced tutors who know their industry inside out.
Meet the tutors
