Canvas is accessible only within New Zealand and Australia.
Apprenticeship Boost provides support for employers to keep and take on new apprentices. It aims to help apprentices to earn and learn while training, so they become skilled practitioners in targeted occupations that are critical to New Zealand’s growth and sustainability.
The Apprenticeship Boost is a payment available through the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) to support employers of apprentices in their first year of training in particular qualifications. Employers can receive up to 12 months of support. Payment is currently $500 per month for eligible apprentices.
For more information visit Apprenticeship Boost - Work and Income.
Applications for reimbursement of training fees can only be submitted by learners, via the IRD, once they have completed an eligible qualification and a certificate has been issued.
No. Reimbursements for first-year Fees Free have ended.
Employers can no longer make a claim for a reimbursement for fees related to the first-year Fees free programme.
If you submitted an eligible claim before the 31 December 2025 deadline, it will be processed
For full details and the most up-to-date information, visit the Inland Revenue (IRD) website.
Learners who used first-year Fees Free funding will not be eligible for final-year Fees Free, even if they did not use the full amount they were entitled to.
The final-year Fees Free policy has replaced the first-year Fees Free policy, as of 1 January 2025.
The final 24 months of work-based training costs may be reimbursed to the learner if they are eligible. Eligible learners will need to make the claim for reimbursement via IRD once they have completed their qualification.
Visit the IRD website for full details.
The deadline to confirm eligibility for first-year Fees Free was 31 December 2025, and this has now passed. If you did not submit a complete and signed statutory declaration to TEC by this date, you are no longer eligible for first-year Fees Free.
You may still be eligible for final-year Fees Free from 2025. To check your eligibility, visit Fees Free – Inland Revenue.
No. Reimbursements for first-year Fees Free have ended.
Employers can no longer make a claim for a reimbursement for fees related to the first-year Fees free programme.
If you submitted an eligible claim before the 31 December deadline, it will be processed
For full details and the most up-to-date information, visit the Inland Revenue (IRD) website.
The deadline to confirm eligibility for first-year Fees Free was 31 December 2025, and this has now passed. If you did not submit a complete and signed statutory declaration to TEC by this date, you are no longer eligible for first-year Fees Free.
Yes. Our downloadable PDF’s are not encrypted, so you can use third-party tools or accessibility software to adjust font size, colours, or convert them to screen reader-friendly formats.
Resource updates are guided by changes with NZQA. When NZQA updates unit standards or qualifications, we review and update our resources accordingly. Any upcoming changes are published in NZQA’s monthly change report which you can view here: Change reports - NZQA
Please contact the schools team: schools@competenz.org.nz
Please check your order carefully before confirming. As we use a print on demand system with an external company we are unable to accept returns for ordering mistakes. If you believe you have received the wrong item, (different from what you ordered), please contact as at: resources.help@competenz.org
Print resources are typically delivered within 5 working days (from your confirmation email). If they have not arrived within this period, please contact us at: resources.help@competenz.org.nz
Upon ordering resources, you will be sent a downloadable link with a PDF to your email used to purchase. Please note this download will expire after 7 days.
In any other circumstances we are unable to email PDF’s of our resources.
We aim to provide the most current versions of print resources wherever possible. However, in some cases, a sector may shift to online-only content, which is available exclusively to Competenz learners. We will continue to supply valid, print-ready unit standards for schools as long as it is practical to do so.
If you spot an error or something unclear in the resources, please email a clear description or screenshot of the issue to resource.help@competenz.org.nz. This will help our design team review and correct the materials as quickly as possible.
No, each teacher must create their own unique login and password to access school resources.
If you need help or have any questions about accessing resources, placing orders, or technical issues, please contact the Competenz Schools Support Team:
They will be happy to assist you!
Please follow the prompts to reset your password through the website.
These materials are protected under the Copyright Act 1994 (NZ) and the publisher (not the purchaser or institution) retains full copyright. Unless under specific licensing agreement in writing, there is to be no copying, scanning, sharing or uploading without a license. This applies to print and digital copies.
No, you generally cannot photocopy, scan, or alter these resources as they are protected under copyright and intellectual property rights. Copying them, even for educational purposes is not permitted without explicit permission from Competenz.
To register, visit the login page and enter your details to create an account.
Please note: We have updated our website in July 2025 and you will need to re-register if you have logged in previously. Once this is done simply log in using your credentials.
Level 2 has a theory component and a practical assessment. For the practical assessment please read the first 1-4 pages of the Assessment Guide in each unit standard.
No, projects your students undertake in school are the evidence and learning they develop and use towards the assessment of the standards. A project is deemed acceptable so long as the project meets the learning intentions of the unit standard.
1. Go to https://www.nzqa.govt.nz/framework/explore/index.do and enter your school's name
2. Click on your school's name, and under Consent to Assess click the link 'these standards and groups of standards':
Yes, they can be used individually, or together and in any order.
No, your learners may complete any project, as long as it shows they meet the assessment criteria.
For the practical assessment please read the first 1-4 pages of the Assessment Guide in each unit standard.
Yes please see table below.
We do not have new examples in the works at the moment, but we welcome ideas or you sharing current projects that we have not presented within the project exemplars.
Yes, please ensure you check the unit standard expiry date and version. You can do this via NZQA.
Please note: It is preferred that schools use the new unit standards. They have been created specifically for use in schools. Industry and teacher input, and collaboration was sought regarding skills and knowledge required for school leavers.
Applications for reimbursement of training fees can only be submitted by learners, via the IRD, once they have completed an eligible qualification and a certificate has been issued.
Learners who used first-year Fees Free funding will not be eligible for final-year Fees Free, even if they did not use the full amount they were entitled to.
Download the Fees Free assessor spreadsheet template
For any questions about the Fees Free training reimbursement process, please email us.
Download the Fees Free employer claim guide and declaration
Download the Fees Free claim spreadsheet template
Not sure if you are eligible to claim reimbursement? Use this form to find out.
Employers can find information and claim forms here. Forestry employers and assessors can find their specific forms here. If you're unsure about your eligibility to claim reimbursement, use this form to check.
Download the Fees Free claim guide and declaration
You are eligible to claim reimbursement of your provider’s invoice for a Competenz learner directly from us if:
Apprenticeship Boost ended December 2024. Payments willcontinue for a maximum of 24 months per apprentice.
Apprenticeship Boost provides support for employers to keep and take on new apprentices. It aims to help apprentices to earn and learn while training, so they become skilled practitioners in targeted occupations that are critical to New Zealand’s growth and sustainability.
The Apprenticeship Boost is a payment available through the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) to support employers of apprentices in their first year of training in particular qualifications. Employers can receive up to 12 months of support. Payment is currently $500 per month for eligible apprentices.
Learners who accessed first-year Fees Free will not be eligible for final-year Fees Free. The last opportunity to report adjustments for first-year Fees Free is during the 2025 wash-up process in early 2026.
Fees Free for learners continuing in 2025: If you started training in 2024 or earlier and are continuing the same qualification in 2025, your fees will be covered until the end of 2025 or until your entitlement runs out.
For work-based programmes extending beyond 2025: Any fees incurred after 31 December 2025 won't be covered, so learners will need to arrange payment. Encourage your 2024 learners to check their Fees Free eligibility as soon as possible to make sure they don’t miss out on their first-year entitlement. Learn more here.
Learners should use the NSN checker tool at FeesFree.govt.nz. After entering their NSN, study type, and intended study year, the tool will return one of four statuses:
We will endeavour to keep the FAQs on this webpage as current as possible. The Fees Free website is a good resource for learners. The TEC website is continuously updated and is a good resource for employers.
Eligibility depends on specific residency, prior study, and training criteria for work-based learning. Check the full eligibility criteria on the Fees Free website. Learners can use their NSN with the TEC’s tool to check eligibility.
Check the learner and programme eligibility criteria for work-based learning.
The Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) also has a tool available for learners to check their eligibility using their NSN.
We will send you correspondence regarding an update on your learner’s eligibility when it is available. If you believe the information we have regarding your learner’s eligibility is incorrect contact TEC.
Our schools’ team are always keen to be involved in as many opportunities as possible. We love introducing learners to new ideas and vocational pathways. Email us on schools@competenz.org.nz to see if we have availability.
Workforce Development Councils (WCD) manage the Consent to Assess process. Hanga-Ara-Rau is the WDC for Manufacturing, Engineering and Logistics.
If you have a query about national external moderation, consent to assess, consent and moderation requirements (CMR), reach out to moderation@maeisb.nz
Follow the link https://www.competenz.org.nz/resources/categories/apparel
Schools have base scope to Level 2, but you will need to check that you have CTA for Level 3.
Head to competenz.org.nz/schools/resources/resources/engineering-industry
Our Gateway programme is currently being reviewed in preparation for successful programmes in the future. However, we are currently offering work experience placements, please contact schools@competenz.org.nz to discuss. Gateway is not available for 2025.
Pricing varies depending on your industry and the apprenticeship/traineeship model selected.
Call our Customer Services Team on 0800 526 1800 or email support@competenz.org.nz and we can arrange for someone to visit your workplace to discuss your training needs.Use this ROI calculator to view the approximate cost of an apprenticeship.
The first step is to call our Customer Services Team on 0800 526 1800 or email support@competenz.org.nz. We will arrange for someone to visit your workplace to discuss your training needs.
Competenz offers a free digital self-service job board which makes it easy to create and post your job advert with our step-by-step job ad builder, helping you reach the right candidates. Add link to website
All customers who have a balance on their account with Competenz at the end of the month will receive a statement detailing any unpaid invoices. Alternatively, please call our Customer Services Team on 0800 526 1800.
Competenz prefers payment by Direct Credit deposit to our bank account.
When making payment it is important that you include your Competenz Account Number as a reference – this is an eight character number beginning with ‘CC’ and can be found on your invoice or statement.
Our bank account number is also shown on our invoices and statements.
We are now offering the option of quarterly payments of annual fees (for Elev8 and Canvas). Please contact ar@competenz.org.nz for more information.
The best way to view the progress of your learner(s) is through Competenz Central.
Competenz Central allows you to see the training plan details of your learner(s) through the tile called eServices.
Click into eServices:
Click on the name of the learner you want more information on:
Click on Training Plan Detail, then click the Unit Standards drop down and change the selection to Show All.
If a unit standard is complete then a date will show in the Date Assessed column.
Please be aware that it can take between 1 – 3 months for unit standard results to be entered into our database.
See the Competenz Central help section for more information about how to access Competenz Central.
Are you logging in on the correct page?
Have you successfully logged in before?
Can't remember your username/email?
Can’t remember your password?
Still can’t login?
Receive the welcome email or text message
If you have requested a login for Competenz Central, or your Competenz contact has advised that a login is on its way, then expect a welcome email like this:
If you cannot find the email, please check your junk mail folder.
Sometimes email filters prevent Competenz emails from being received. If this is the case, our Customer Services Team can send you a text message instead of an email.
Call our Customer Services Team on 0800 526 1800 or email support@competenz.org.nz and let us know your name, date of birth, company/employer, and your cell phone number. We will then send you a welcome text message like the below:
Enter your date of birth
Once you click the link sent to you in the email or text message you will then need to enter your date of birth. This helps us check we’ve sent the link to the correct person.
Make sure you enter your date of birth in this format: dd/mm/yyyy
For example:
If your date of birth does not match with the information held in our database, you will need to contact our Customer Services Team.
Create your login details
Once you have entered your date of birth, you can then create your login by entering an email address for your username and a password.
Your password must be at least eight characters long, and contain an uppercase, lowercase and number.
Please send an email to your training advisor or account manager for support.
If you are an assessor, please specify which company or companies you assess at/for so we can make sure we give you visibility of these companies.We will need to verify your access with your Competenz contact first, so please be aware that your request may take some time.
If you are not a New Zealand citizen, you need a valid visa or work permit. Non domestic students have fees and are not funded.Your visa or work permit must cover the time it will take to complete your qualification.For example, if you want to enrol in a qualification that will take six months to complete, then you must have a visa or work permit that is valid for at least six months from the day you start your qualification.You must also have a job in an industry that we work with.Either:
Generally, employers pay the cost of an apprenticeship or traineeship.
Call our Customer Services Team on 0800 526 1800 or email support@competenz.org.nz and we can arrange for someone to visit your workplace to discuss your training needs.Use this ROI calculator to view the approximate cost of an apprenticeship.
If you are not a New Zealand citizen then you need a valid visa or work permit.
Your visa or work permit must cover the time it will take to complete your qualification.
For example, if you want to enrol in a qualification that will take six months to complete, then you must have a visa or work permit that is valid for at least six months from the day you start your qualification.
You must be 16 years of age or older to enrol into any Competenz qualifications, unless you have an early leaving exemption certificate from the Ministry of Education.
Apprenticeships are three to four years long.
Traineeships can be anywhere between six and 18 months long.
You're on the right track to becoming an apprentice or trainee with Competenz!
The first thing to do is double-check that you meet the following criteria:
If this sounds like you, then the next step is to talk to your employer. Tell them about the training you want to do. They need to be onboard. Being a Competenz learner is a three-way agreement between us (Competenz), you (the learner) and your employer.
Then call our Customer Services Team on 0800 526 1800 or email support@competenz.org.nz and we can arrange for someone to visit your workplace to discuss your training needs.
To do an apprenticeship or traineeship with Competenz, you need to have a job in an industry that we work with.
Either:
No experience is needed to do an apprenticeship or traineeship. You just need to have a job in an industry that we work with, and have a positive attitude!
To become a trainee, in simple terms you need to; be 16 or older and be legally allowed to work in New Zealand.
Here are some more details:
To become an apprentice you must be 16 or older, legally allowed to work in New Zealand, and have a job in the industry your apprenticeship is in.
Apprenticeship
An apprenticeship is a pathway to a lifelong career. You learn on-the-job in your workplace, get paid and become qualified for your chosen trade.
Watch the video below to learn more about apprenticeships.
Traineeship
Traineeships are shorter than apprenticeships – typically 6-18 months – and range from entry level to advanced. They are formal arrangements between an employer, learner and Competenz. Traineeships lead to a nationally recognised New Zealand qualification.
Competenz partners with employers, apprentices, schools, training providers and assessors across the country to help Kiwis build skills, careers and businesses. We work with more than 3,500 companies and 26,000 learners in 36 industries around New Zealand each year. Most learning takes place on-the-job. Watch the video below to learn more:
Ambassadors are nominated by Competenz account managers and training advisors. Talk to your Competenz contact if you think you would make a great ambassador.
Competenz ambassadors are apprentices and trainees who have been selected to represent their trade because they are passionate about what they do. Ambassadors help us to promote Competenz through school visits, marketing campaigns, media appearances and industry events.
No – You must not use AI to help with assessments.
This means no ChatGPT, Copilot, Gemini, or any other AI tools even for rewriting, summarising, or checking your answers.
Your assessments need to show your own thinking, skills, and effort. That’s how we know you’re ready for the next step. Please view more detailed information on this here.
You will be given a printed certificate by your Competenz contact when you complete your qualification. Or your certificate will be couriered to your workplace.
We are only able to re-print your certificate if it is LOST or DAMAGED. If you would like us to reprint your certificate for you, there is a cost of $120.75 incl GST.
Email support@competenz.org.nz and include:
Once payment is received, your replacement certificate will be couriered to your nominated address.
Please note: Competenz can only reprint certificates for qualifications completed after August 2012. If your qualification was completed before this date, please contact NZQA.
When you finish your apprenticeship or traineeship, you will be marked as completed in our database once your final unit standard result has been entered.
For Engineering trade qualifications and apprenticeships, completion also requires confirmation from your employer of the total hours you have worked during your apprenticeship. These hours are submitted as part of the completion documentation. As most apprenticeships run for around four years, this typically equates to approximately 8,000 hours of work and training.
Once all requirements are confirmed and your completion has been processed, you will receive a printed certificate from your Competenz contact, or it will be couriered to your workplace.
If you have access to Competenz Central you can see your training plan by logging in to Competenz Central. This will show your ‘To-do’ unit standards and your ‘Achieved’ unit standards.
If you do not have access to Competenz Central you can ask your Competenz contact to run a qualification check to see what unit standards are outstanding to complete your qualification.
Some unit standards are available through Canvas online learning, but not all assessments can be completed online.
Your Training Plan Report tells you which units are delivered online and marked by an e Assessor or are On Job and marked by your TA. The units themselves are also described as (On-Job) or (On Line) in their title.
You can also check the Canvas help section for a list of unit standards that are available online.
If you need help with an assessment, the best person to contact is your assessor or training advisor.
Support may come from:
Your supervisor may help guide your learning, but the final assessment decision is made by a Competenz assessor.
If you are unsure who to contact, speak with your training advisor.
Your assessor will provide feedback for questions that are incorrect.
For online assessments using Canvas: The eAssessor will direct you to the relevant learning material
For paper-based assessments: Your assessor will send you feedback on your completion of the assessment guide and/or evidence provided. This is normally emailed to the learner.
