Te Eke Rangatahi

Transition from School to UCOL


Still in-school? Find your passion and have the UCOL support to help you succeed, while gaining NCEA credits, and industry knowledge and experience.

Under the U-Skills banner, UCOL offers a suite of in-school study opportunities for those enrolled in secondary school or college. The suite includes short STAR courses, our more extensive 1 or 2 day a week Academy programmes, or gain a full New Zealand certificate qualification in one of our Tertiary Pathway study options.

With the support and guidance of our Transition Team, the U-Skills offerings focus on three key areas:

  1. NCEA-related content

  2. Industry knowledge and experience

  3. Finding your passion and supporting you to succeed

U-Skills students have a dedicated Transition Coordinator to help you:

  • Set goals

  • Complete individual education plans

  • Develop literacy and numeracy skills

  • Discover your pathway

Download the U-Skills programme guide

Vocational pathways 

Our U-Skills programmes are organised under the Six Vocational Pathways:

Creative Industries

Primary Industries

Service Industries

Social and Community Services

Construction and Infrastructure Industries

Manufacturing and Technology Industries

STAR 

STAR are your first introduction to UCOL through a ‘taster’ day or short course. They’re designed to help you explore your career options. Short courses are usually one day per week 9am to 3pm for five or six weeks (you will be notified if this timeframe is different), while tasters are one day only. Our range of courses gives you an opportunity to gain tertiary experience while staying at school.


Academy Programmes

Our U-Skills Academy programmes are designed to guide students through a vocational pathway, with the encouragement and support of your school. Within Academy, you will have access to experienced staff who have real experience in the real world. Our team have a range of skills to suit multiple needs and provide a supportive stepping stone, giving you a taste of tertiary education, without course fees.

Tertiary Pathways

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.


Youth Guarantee 

If you are under 24 but not eligible to join our U-Skills programmes, take a look at our Youth Guarantee scholarships.

U-Skills FAQs

STAR are short courses designed to help you explore your career options. Usually, one day per week 9am to 3pm for five or six weeks (you will be notified if this timeframe is different). Our range of courses gives you an opportunity to gain tertiary experience while staying at school.
There is a fee for each STAR course, which is funded through your secondary school (with their approval).
STAR students experience a short taste of an industry or career option. From this, you may be able to decide what your next step is in your career or if you wish to do extra tertiary study. You will gain practical experience, providing you with information to support you in your future.
If you are interested in attending a STAR course, talk to your Careers Advisor or STAR Coordinator at school. If your school is happy for you to attend the course, they will let us know.
Our U-Skills Academy programmes are designed to guide students through a vocational pathway, with the encouragement and support of your school. Within Academy you will have access to experienced staff who have real experience in the real world. Our team have a range of skills to suit multiple needs and provide a supportive stepping stone, giving you a taste of tertiary education, without course fees.
All Academy programmes are fees-free for students.
Vocational Pathway and industry relevant standards which contribute to NCEA.
U-Skills Academy operate either one or two days per week from 9am – 3pm.
If you’re between years 11-13 at a New Zealand secondary school or college, you’re eligible.
Yes, transport assistance is available when you meet certain criteria.
If you are interested in an Academy programme talk to your careers advisor at school and they will help you with the application process.
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.
A FREE relevant tertiary qualification while still at school, building on previous achievement and experience at NCEA and/or U-Skills Trades Academy. Please note that, in most cases, the credits in these programmes won’t contribute to NCEA.
Higher level of study (i.e. Level 4 and above), apprenticeships, or employment. U-Skills Tertiary Pathways places are subject to availability and meeting entry criteria. Transport to UCOL’s campuses isn’t provided for these programmes.