Free courses for youth

At Lakeland Learning, we offer a number of free courses all of which provide credits towards your NCEA. So whether you are looking to complete NCEA level 1 or 2 or to progress from one of our programmes to Level 3, we've got you covered.

To be eligible for our free courses, you must be aged 16-24 at the time of enrolment. Students aged 15½ may be accepted on a case by case basis, and with an Early Leaving Exemption. You must not have completed NCEA Level 2 or an equivalent qualification. 

The level 3 programme has limited places and preference is given to students who have already completed a level 1 and/or level 2 programme at Lakeland Learning. 

So what can we help with? Take a look at our courses below...

Foundation skills / NCEA Level 1

This programme provides you with 60 credits towards NCEA Level 1, including all the credits you need for your NCEA literacy and numeracy. Once you have completed the 60 credits, you will be awarded the New Zealand Certificate in Foundation Skills, Level 1. At this stage you will progress on to one of our two Level 2 programmes, which will provide you with the remaining credits you need to be awarded NCEA Level 1.

NCEA Level 2

You have a choice of two courses at this level, both of which provide you with the credits you need to achieve NCEA Level 2 along with the Service Industries Vocational Pathways Endorsement.

You may choose to study NCEA with a Business, Computing, Financial Capability and Workplace Skills focus, or alternatively NCEA with a  Business, Retail and Tourism focus.

Tourism / NCEA level 3

At Level 3, you can complete the New Zealand Certificate in Tourism. This programme offers 60 credits, which can also count towards your NCEA Level 3.

You’ll learn the key skills needed for the travel and tourism industry. Work experience is an important part of the course (unless you are already working in the industry), and you’ll also need to complete some independent self-directed study.

Places are limited. Preference is given to students who:

  • Have completed a Level 2 programme at Lakeland Learning
  • Need this qualification to support their career goals
  • Need NCEA Level 3 for future study or work
  • Are able to manage the demands of Level 3 study
  • Are willing to take part in a customer-facing work experience placement
  • Can present themselves professionally in a workplace
  • Have a strong record of attendance and punctuality

What our students do next....

As students complete their programmes of study with us, we work with them to figure out what their future direction might be. We have a qualified career advisor on site who can help with this, free of charge. We also make sure students have a quality CV.

Once finished, our students typically gain employment, progress to polytechnic or university, join the forces, or secure apprenticeships.

How Can We Help?

If you're interested in achieving your NCEA, we'd love to hear from you. Simply text Helen on

027 350 0908, or FILL OUT THE CONTACT FORM, and we'll be in touch fast!

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What people say about us.....

"What an amazing team of women you are! Thank you for empowering our kids with self esteem and can-do attitudes. Your hard work is so appreciated. What beautiful souls you are"

Paula (parent)

"Bless you all for inspiring my grand daughter to believe in herself and her ability to learn. With all my eternal thanks"

Lyn (grandmother)

"Helen is an amazing teacher, and I'm glad I am here!!"

Dayna (student)

"This course has given me the education and hope that school could not"

Alina (student)

"This course is helping me with my goals and getting them done quickly"

Dylan (student)

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Aria Wylie with her tutor, Helen Bateman

Aria was the winner of the Taupo District Outstanding Adult Learner Award