New Zealand Certificate in Youth Work (Level 5)
Duration
36 weeks (including breaks)
Delivery
Online - Two evenings per week
Campus
Manukau / Online
Credits
120
Fees Domestic
$6,910.00
Fees International
This programme is not available for international students.
At the heart of youth work is building mana-enhancing relationships — where young people are supported to discover their own strength, actively participate, and shape their futures with confidence. This programme is designed for those who want to make a valuable difference in the lives of taiohi across Aotearoa, equipping you with the knowledge, practical skills, and ethical foundation to support their development in a way that uplifts individuals and communities. You’ll gain a deep understanding of brain and human development, Te Tiriti o Waitangi, Mana Taiohi, and the Code of Ethics for Youth Work — enabling you to make a lasting impact in the lives of vulnerable young people from diverse backgrounds.
Credit 15
YW01
Foundations: Introduction to Youth Work Values, Principles and Frameworks
Credit 15
YW02
Knowledge of Te Tiriti o Waitangi in Youth Work Practice
Credit 15
YW03
Ethics: Ethical Codes of Practice in Youth Work
Credit 15
YW04
Legislation
Credit 10
YW05
Relationship Building
Credit 20
YW06
Applied Professional Practice One
Credit 10
YW07
Youth Work Application
Credit 20
YW08
Professional Practice Two
Professional Practice Placements
During this programme, learners will complete 300 hours of practicum in a relevant workplace. This is a critical and compulsory aspect of the programme, providing learners with essential practical learning opportunities.
The professional practice hours are divided across two courses. Each course includes 150 hours of practice:
- Applied Professional Practice One [YW506]
- Applied Professional Practice Two [YW508]
Each of the above courses will include 150 hours of practicum, which will be supervised by a qualified supervisor in a Youth Work setting.
For Domestic Students
- Applicants enrolling in the New Zealand Certificate in Youth Work must have:
- a) NCEA Level 2 or equivalent OR
- b) New Zealand Certificate in Youth Work (Level 4) [NZ2449] OR
- c) Relevant work experience and evidence of suitability
- Minimum Age:
- Applicants must be a minimum of 17 years old at the start of the programme.
- English Language Entry Requirements:
- Applicants must have sufficient competence in the English language to undertake the programme which is taught and assessed in English.
Additional Requirements:
- Learners are required to fulfil the requirements of the Children’s Act 2014 (formerly the Vulnerable Children’s Act 2014,) safety check which includes:
- Police Check clearance to a level required for working with vulnerable children.
- Two referees (not family or friends)
- An interview
- A short statement of intent — why the learner wishes to join the programme
- Selection:
- Applicants will be selected in order of successful application. This programme of study is open to those who have met the entrance requirements and programme admission regulations
A graduate of this programme will be able to meet the following outcomes:
GPO 1:
Apply knowledge of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, Mana Taiohi, Code of Ethics for Youth Work, brain development and human development frameworks and legislative requirements to support taiohi from diverse groups.
GPO 2:
Oversee a focussed aspect of a youth work project and apply evaluation tools to develop a qualitative report.
GPO 3:
Engage in professional development to analyse and evaluate own culture, values, attitudes, beliefs and self-care practices to strengthen youth work practice.
GPO 4:
Engage in a diverse range of community partners, including tangata whenua, to meet the objectives of a youth work organisation.
GPO 5:
Analyse the impacts of the digital, social, and systemic worlds of taiohi, including the impacts of colonisation, to support youth Hauora.
The qualification leads to New Zealand Diploma in Youth Work (Level 6) and may lead to higher level qualifications in youth work, social services, and counselling qualifications.
Graduates may seek employment in youth work or youth development in a range of settings: non-governmental organisations, educational facilities, social services, residential and community, iwi services, mental health support, peer support, and those that operate in a cultural, education or faith-based context. Graduates of this qualification will be able to contribute effectively within their whānau and the wider community, work autonomously and take responsibility for the learning and performance of others. Graduates will be qualified to work in independent vocational roles with taiohi and be able to support colleagues.
Kick Start Your Career
Whether you’re a school leaver passionate about supporting young people or already working in the sector and seeking a formal qualification, this programme will help you take the next step in your youth-development journey. This programme opens the door to meaningful roles in youth work, peer support, and community development. You’ll gain the skills to contribute to organisations working in social services, justice, iwi and marae-based initiatives, faith-based programmes, and mental health support.
Need help making your decision?
Schedule and Fees
- 27/10/25
- 17/07/26
- Join our alumni network
- Create a job-ready portfolio
- Learn from industry experts
- Live classes
- NZQA Certified
- Project-based and practical
This programme is not available for international students.
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Check out more of our Education courses here.