What is on offer
| Programme | What it is | How to get it |
|---|---|---|
| Skills for Industry | Short, job-focused entry-level training run with employers and training providers, in industries with entry-level jobs and a career pathway. Work and Income describes fields such as hospitality, agriculture, childcare, aged care and retail | Ask your local Work and Income service centre or call 0800 559 009 |
| Mana in Mahi | Part-time or full-time work with on-the-job training towards an NZQA-approved qualification, with learning, wellbeing and in-work support. Aimed at people likely to need a benefit for a long time or who have been out of work | Ask your case manager or use the enquiry form on the Work and Income Mana in Mahi page; Work and Income aims to contact you within 5 working days |
| Jobs and Skills Hubs | Construction training and jobs in Auckland, Tairāwhiti, Hawke's Bay and Lower Hutt | Work and Income employer pages |
| Help to get a driver licence | Learner licence study, professional lessons, test fees and a vehicle for the test. You do not need to be on a benefit | Work and Income clients: call 0800 559 009. Others: find a provider on the Family Services Directory under 'Learning to drive' |
| Digital Passport | Free online digital skills training at three levels, from basics like email to current AI tools | Listed on the Work and Income training page |
| LinkedIn Learning | About 16,000 online courses, free with a Work and Income client number | Request via the Work and Income training page |
| My Skill | Free online Level 2 caregiver training (including a Level 2 NZ Certificate in Health and Wellbeing, free if you receive a benefit) | Listed on the Work and Income training page |
How to ask well
Work and Income staff will not always volunteer these options. Be specific about the industry and the job you want, and ask: 'What training is funded for people in [region] who want to work in [industry]?'
What to say
I've been made redundant from [job] and I want to move into [industry]. I'm not looking for a long course. Are there any Skills for Industry programmes, Mana in Mahi placements or employer-linked training in [my region] that I could start in the next couple of months? Can you also tell me what it would do to my payments?
Will it affect my payments?
Once you are working in a placement, wages affect a benefit like any other job (for a single Jobseeker Support client with no children, the first $160 a week before tax is ignored, then payment drops by 70 cents for each extra dollar). Ask your case manager to explain the numbers before you accept.
Sources
- Work and Income: Training, study and qualifications (opens in a new tab)
- Work and Income: Skills for Industry (opens in a new tab)
- Work and Income: Mana in Mahi (opens in a new tab)
- Work and Income: Help to get a driver licence (opens in a new tab)
General information only. Confirm with the agency for your situation. Spotted something out of date? Email help@unemployed.nz.