U-Skills Tertiary Pathways

Gain a free tertiary qualification while at school and/or start an apprenticeship with the UCOL U-Skills Tertiary Pathways programme.


U-Skills Tertiary Pathways are designed for students who have identified their career pathway and are ready to transition from school to tertiary study. You have the chance to gain a tertiary qualification and, in some cases, start your apprenticeship while still at school. You will be dual-enrolled at your school and UCOL, spending up to five days a week at UCOL as you work towards a New Zealand Certificate in a particular career pathway..

Construction & Infrastructure

New Zealand Certificate in Construction Trade Skills (Carpentry)


Level 3
UCOL Manawatū in Palmerston North, Taumarunui, UCOL Whanganui, UCOL Wairarapa in Masterton, Kapiti

1 year full-time (42 weeks)

Part-time option available

Manawatū - Feb & Aug 2026
Whanganui - Feb 2026
Masterton - Feb 2026
Taumarunui - Feb 2026
Kāpiti - Feb 2026

Dreaming of a future in construction? Build your career from the ground up!

New Zealand Certificate in Construction Trade Skills (Joinery)


Level 3
UCOL Manawatū in Palmerston North

32 weeks including term breaks – 3 days per week

Feb 2026

Enjoy working with your hands? Craft your career with joinery!

UCOL construction students and lecturer working at the workshop

New Zealand Certificate in Building, Construction and Allied Trade Skills


Level 2
UCOL Manawatū in Palmerston North, UCOL Whanganui, UCOL Wairarapa in Masterton

13 weeks full-time

Manawatū - Oct 2026
Whanganui - Oct 2026
Masterton - Oct 2026

Keen to build a career in construction? Your pathway to working in one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s biggest industries starts here!

New Zealand Certificate in Plumbing, Gasfitting and Drainlaying


Level 3

UCOL Manawatū in Palmerston North

22 weeks full-time

Part-time option available

02 Feb 2026 - 03 Jul 2026 (intake full - please contact us to go on waitlist)


Ready to lay the foundations for a career in one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s essential trades? Learn the skills to work in the plumbing, gasfitting, and drainlaying industry.

Creative Industries

A large scale illustration on a wall with the artist standing next to it.

New Zealand Certificate in Arts and Design (Level 4)


Level 4
UCOL Manawatū in Palmerston North, UCOL Whanganui

19 weeks, full-time

Manawatū - Jul 2026
Whanganui - Jul 2026

Want to develop your proficiency in the language of art and design? Select an area of study and discover your creative voice!

Manufacturing & Technology

New Zealand Certificate in Mechanical Engineering


Level 3
UCOL Manawatū in Palmerston North

1 year full-time

Feb & Aug 2026

Ready to kickstart your trade career? Gain the skills and confidence to step straight into entry-level roles in mechanical engineering, construction, manufacturing, or fabrication!

New Zealand Certificate in Electrical Pre-Trade (Level 3)


Level 3
UCOL Manawatū in Palmerston North, UCOL Whanganui, UCOL Wairarapa in Masterton

1 year consisting of 34 teaching weeks and 6 holiday weeks

Manawatū - Feb 2026
Masterton - Feb 2026
Whanganui - Feb 2026

Turn your interest in electrics into a powerful future!

New Zealand Certificate in Automotive Engineering


Level 3
UCOL Manawatū in Palmerston North, UCOL Whanganui, UCOL Wairarapa in Masterton

1 year (40 weeks)

Manawatū - Feb & Aug 2026
Whanganui - Feb 2026
Masterton - Feb 2026

Transform your passion for cars or motorbikes into a rewarding career in automotive by developing the technical expertise and fine tuning your problem-solving skills.

New Zealand Certificate in Automotive Collision Repair


Level 3
UCOL Manawatū in Palmerston North

1 semester (20 weeks, including 2 weeks holiday)

Feb & Jul 2026

From impact to perfection - learn the basics to master the art of collision repair and automotive refinishing, bringing vehicles back to life.

New Zealand Certificate in IT Essentials


Level 4
UCOL Manawatū in Palmerston North

19 weeks full-time

Feb & Jul 2026

Whether you’re curious about computers, looking to upskill, or planning to move into further IT study, this programme sets you up with the core knowledge to get started, and open doors to an exciting future in tech.

Service Industries

New Zealand Certificate in Business (Administration and Technology) (Level 4)


Level 4
UCOL Manawatū in Palmerston North, UCOL Whanganui

19 weeks full-time

Part-time option available

Manawatū - Feb & Jul 2026
Whanganui - Feb & Jul 2026

Become an admin superstar - build the skills to support teams, streamline systems, and shine in any workplace.

New Zealand Certificate in Business (Administration and Technology) (Level 3)


Level 3
UCOL Manawatū in Palmerston North, UCOL Whanganui

19 weeks full-time

Part-time option available

Manawatū - Feb & Jul 2026
Whanganui - Feb & Jul 2026

Immerse yourself in the world of business and gain the skills employers need with confidence that you’ll have the capability to thrive in any office environment.

New Zealand Certificate in Beauty Therapy


Level 4
UCOL Manawatū in Palmerston North, UCOL Whanganui, UCOL Wairarapa in Masterton

1 year full-time (40 weeks)

Manawatū - Feb 2026
Whanganui - Feb 2026
Masterton - Feb 2026

Do you love making people look and feel good? Learn the science behind the glow with hands-on training in beauty therapy.

New Zealand Certificate in Hairdressing


Level 3
UCOL Manawatū in Palmerston North, UCOL Whanganui, UCOL Wairarapa in Masterton

1 year full-time (40 weeks)

Manawatū - Feb 2026
Whanganui - Feb 2026
Masterton - Feb 2026

Style, shape, and shine - kickstart your career in hairdressing and gain the skills to make your mark in the beauty industry!

New Zealand Certificate in Nail Technology


Level 4
UCOL Manawatū in Palmerston North

1 year full-time (40 weeks)

Feb 2026

Step into the glamorous world of nail artistry and technology, and let your creative flair shine as you hone your skills.

New Zealand Certificate in Food and Beverage Service (Level 4)


Level 4
UCOL Manawatū in Palmerston North

19 weeks full-time

Jul 2026

Serve with style, lead with confidence. Take your hospitality service skills to the next level!

New Zealand Certificate in Food and Beverage Service (Level 3)


Level 3
UCOL Manawatū in Palmerston North

19 weeks full-time

Feb & Jul 2026

Serve up success! Learn the skills to step into the exciting world of hospitality.

Social & Community Services

New Zealand Certificate in Early Childhood Education and Care (Level 4)


Level 4
UCOL Manawatū in Palmerston North, UCOL Whanganui, UCOL Wairarapa in Masterton.

19 weeks full-time

Manawatū - Feb & Jul 2026
Whanganui - Feb & Jul 2026
Masterton - Jul 2026

Passionate about shaping young minds and creating a positive impact in your community? Start your journey towards a rewarding career in early childhood education.

New Zealand Certificate in Study and Employment Pathways (Level 4) (Health Science Field)


Level 4
UCOL Manawatū in Palmerston North, UCOL Whanganui, UCOL Wairarapa in Masterton

19 weeks, full-time

Palmerston North

16 Feb 2026 - 26 Jun 2026

27 Jul 2026 - 04 Dec 2026

Whanganui

16 Feb 2026 - 26 Jun 2026

27 Jul 2026 - 04 Dec 2026

Masterton

27 Jul 2026 - 04 Dec 2026


Learn the skills required for higher-level study in health science!

New Zealand Certificate in Study and Employment Pathways (Level 4) (Medical Imaging Field)


Level 4
UCOL Manawatū in Palmerston North

19 weeks full-time

Jul 2026

Learn the skills required for higher-level study in medical imaging*!

New Zealand Certificate in Study and Employment Pathways (Level 3) (Health Field)


Level 3
UCOL Manawatū in Palmerston North

19 weeks full-time, or part-time option available

Feb & Jul 2026

Aspiring to study Nursing, Applied Science (Laboratory Technician) or Health Sciences? Learn the skills required for higher level study in these exciting fields!