Youth Pathways

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.