Youth Pathways
If you’re still at secondary school or you’re under 20 and want to learn some practical, hands-on skills that will help you get a job, you can start with our youth pathways. Explore the Youth Guarantee Scheme which offers free study.
What are youth pathways?
Youth pathways are designed for high school students or those under 20 who want to gain practical skills for work. Which youth pathway suits you best will depend on where you are in your learning journey.
If you have left school or feel that school isn’t for you, the Youth Guarantee Fees Scheme can support you while you study any of the courses funded by this scheme.
If you’re in high school, our West Coast Trades Academy offers courses that you can do with your study here at Tai Poutini Polytechnic. Alternatively, you can also get involved in Student for a Day which is a great chance for high school students to get a taste of what it’s like to be a student at Tai Poutini Polytechnic.
Student for a Day
Student for a Day is a great chance for high school students to get a taste of what it’s like to be a student at Tai Poutini Polytechnic. It's an opportunity to meet our amazing tutors, check out our facilities and to see what student life at Tai Poutini Polytechnic is all about. Students can explore their potential career path and participate in different activities, leaving with a great understanding of what their future study may look like.
Youth Guarantee Funding Scheme
The Youth Guarantee is a funding scheme for people 16–24 years old (or 15 if you’ve got an early leaving exemption letter). It means you can enrol in Level 2 or Level 3 programmes, cost-free.
We have various level 2 and 3 courses available under this scheme which can prepare you with practical skills for work. When you study any of the funded courses, the Youth Guarantee Fees Scheme covers your tuition fees and the material and equipment costs of your programme.
You will be eligible for funding if:
- are a Domestic Student
- have left school, and do not hold a qualification level 3 or higher
- are 16 to 24 years of age or; are 15 years of age at the time of commencing your study, and have an early leaving exemption from school
- are enrolling in either a 120 credit programme, or two programmes of at least 40 credits each, or studying at least 50% of a full-time, full-year enrolment
- have not already used 2 years of Youth Guarantee funding.
Travel Assistance
Youth Guarantee Scheme students may be eligible for assistance with transport to attend their programme. At some campuses this may be through providing a transport service, while at others students may be able to claim the cost of their travel. Each student seeking assistance must complete a Travel Assistance Application Form as part of the Youth Guarantee Scheme application.
How do I apply for a programme study under the Youth Guarantee scheme?
Complete the Tai Poutini Polytechnic enrolment form and the Tai Poutini Polytechnic Youth Guarantee Scheme application form. You can still apply for a Youth Guarantee Scheme place if you have already been accepted onto a programme. Application forms and more information can be found here.
Youth Guarantee qualifications
Farming
The New Zealand Certificate in Primary Industry Operational Skills (level 3) with optional strands in specialist equipment and infrastructure offers learners skills in working safely on farm with a range of vehicles, machinery and infrastructure.Duration
18 Weeks Full-time
Delivery
On campus
Location
Greymouth, Reefton
Career potential
Farm Hand, Shepherd
Art & Design
Turn your passion for art and sculpture into a career. Discover Tai Poutini Polytechnic’s Hard Stone and Jade Carving programmes.Duration
20 Weeks Full-time
Delivery
On campus
Location
Greymouth
Career potential
Artist, Carving
Trades & Pre-trades
If you love cars, trucks and motorbikes, and want to kick-start a career in the automotive industry, our New Zealand Certificate in Automotive Engineering is the perfect choice.Duration
35 Weeks Full-time
Delivery
On campus
Location
Greymouth
Business
Build a more employable set of business admin skills. Sit above the rest by completing the Business Administration and Technology (Level 3) qualification at TPP. Enhance your knowledge with business administration expertise that will be transferrable across many jobs. Up-skill into a variety of solid career opportunities in the industry.Duration
20 Weeks Full-time
Delivery
On campus, Blended learning
Location
Greymouth, Westport
Career potential
Business Administration, Technology
Construction
Prepare for a carpentry apprenticeship and a career in construction.Duration
34 Weeks Full-time
Delivery
On campus
Location
Greymouth
Career potential
Carpenter
Civil & Mining
If you're looking for an exciting career in the busy civil and infrastructure sector, New Zealand Certificate in Civil Infrastructure Bulk Earthworks will put you on the right path.Duration
29 Weeks Full-time
Delivery
On campus
Location
Westport, Greymouth
Career potential
Civil, Civil Plant Operation
Food & Hospitality
Our Food and Beverage Level 3 programme has a specific West Coast flavour.Duration
20 Weeks Full-time
Delivery
On campus
Location
Greymouth, Westport
Career potential
Cafes, Food and Beverage Service, Restaurants
Foundation & Bridging
Give yourself a head-start on future study with Tai Poutini Polytechnic’s New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Level 3). You’ll gain the skills you need to succeed as you prepare for your dream job.Duration
19 Weeks Full-time
Delivery
On campus
Location
Westport
Career potential
Foundation Skills
West Coast Trades Academy
Providing greater opportunities for youth to develop their knowledge and skills through trades ...
Need some advice?
If you’re not sure what to study and would like some guidance, we’re here to help. Feel free to chat to us directly about any questions you may have.
