Education

The National Council of YMCA's of New Zealand Inc is a registered private training establishment with NZQA which specialises in training 13 - 17 year olds in youth training, alternative education and STAR courses.

We also offer a range of vocational and life skill courses offer National Certificates, unit standards and work experience towards individual employment goals.

Every YMCA training programme places great emphasis on personal growth and development.

Need a Step Up?

If you have not yet achieved NCEA Level 1, YMCA with it supportive learning environment could be just right for you. All programmes are linked to the National Qualifications Framework:

  • Work towards a qualification
  • Work at your own pace
  • Gain Unit Standard credits
  • Progress to other courses or tertiary providers

We really know what we are doing, & why.

Our education courses like everything we do, are guided by a strong sense of values.  So? This means your tutors and YMCA admin staff will treat you with caring, respect and honesty, and behave responsibly towards you and your needs.

A first step for you from school into the teritary world, giving you foundation skills so you are ready to learn vocational skills and enter industry.

Our programmes for youth include some with more of an industry focus. Your local YMCA might have a Adventure Tourism and Hospitality Training; furniture making, or computing course.  Or it could be Conservation Corp or LifeWorks.

You might think YMCA and think sport, fitness and recreation. Right! We do that.  And education!

And on our courses you'll get to experience some of what we have to offer there too - camps, walks, tramps, basketball competitions, team building, adventure-based activities, raft races, marae experience - all with qualified staff.

Sound interesting? Check the criteria for Youth Training Course at your local YMCA.

But YMCA Education doesn't stop there!

For older learners, YMCA runs TOPS courses. Training Opportunities courses give you transferable skills to take into industry. You might be on a National Certificate in Light Engineering, Heavy Trade, Security, or Business Administration, depending on where you live. These are just some of the vocational courses available free to eligible learners.

So, why the Y?

For a helping hand, for caring tutors in a supportive environment which doesn't end at the end of the day or the course, for lots of fun while learning, for unit standards, national certificates, NCES and NCEA Level 1, try the Y.

You can trust us.

NEWS

YMCA New Zealand Submission on Green Paper for Vulnerable Children

February 28, 2012

The YMCA congratulates the Prime Minister, the Right Honourable John Key, and the Minister for Social Development and Employment, the Honourable Paula Bennett in acknowledging the needs of Young People, in initiating the Green Paper for Vulnerable Children and in consulting with New Zealand. We agree with their view that “just throwing money around” will not resolve the complex issues of neglect, abuse, failure to thrive and poverty facing many of our Children. The full submission can be viewed by clicking on read full story.......

National Education Quality Co-ordinator to retire

February 13, 2012

We wish to advise that Phil Chamberlain, our National Education Quality Co-ordinator, has formally announced his retirement from his position with the National Council of YMCA NZ, effective 30 March 2012.

YMCA Tauranga announces new CEO

December 6, 2011

The YMCA Tauranga is pleased to announce the appointment of Ric Balfour as its next Chief Executive Officer. He will take over from Amy S. Thaler, who will be leaving in January to pursue new challenges in her home country of the USA.

YMCA Shakespear Lodge re-opens

November 30, 2011

The re-opening of Shakespear Open Sanctuary on December 1 heralds a new era for the hard working SOSSI volunteers, park staff and Hibiscus Coast residents. YMCA Shakespear Lodge also re-opens December 1 and has an Open Day on December 4, from 12 noon onwards. This also marks the belated 101st birthday of the Shakespear Homestead. There will be activities such as sailing, archery and kayaking to try. Info: ph 424 7111 or www.ymcaauckland.org.nz.