YMCA National | Tertiary Education Commission

About Us

The Y kaupapa is to build 'strong kids, strong families, strong communities through investing the next generation. Y Education is part of 'The Y' family and carries this kaupapa through educating our youth and communities. Our students gain the skills needed to show up in this world and prepare for the next steps, whether that be work or more study.

Ahurutanga is our priority for our students - come with your mana and leave with your mana.

Our safe and supportive learning environments and programmes support our students in establishing, reflecting and renewing their mental, emotional, physical and spiritual needs. Our students tell us that the Y providers them a safe, supportive, fun and positive place to learn - you can't ask for better than that if education and learning hasn't been a positive experience.

We get to know our tairua, their lives and their whānau, recognising that everyone comes from different walks of life and have different needs. We live our values of caring, respect, honesty and responsibility.

What we offer

All programmes are FREE

We provide FREE courses and programmes from Level 1 and Level 2 qualifications to literacy and numeracy and short courses for a range of life and work skills.

FULL-TIME PROGRAMMES

Enrol into our FREE Youth-Guarantee funded programmes and gain Level 1 and 2 NZQA qualifications. Our Y-Skills programmes can support eligible learners into further study, apprenticeships and employment.

Te Hiringa o te Wai

New Zealand Certificate in Foundation Skills Level 1

Free 20 Week Programme

This qualification is intended to assist people engaging or reengaging with learning to prepare them for further learning and employment.

Offered at Ashburton, Christchurch, Tokoroa, Southland, New Plymouth, Oamaru, Palmerston North, Timaru and Whanganui.

See programme info sheet below for intake dates

• Programme information sheet "Te Hiringa o te Wai'

Kia Rite Mo Te Mahi (Ready2Work)

New Zealand Certificate in Foundations Skills Level 2

Free 20 Week Programme

Opportunities for further study after finishing level 2

This programme equips youth aged 16-24 with knowledge and skills required to navigate in this diverse and dynamic 21st century.

Offered at Ashburton, Christchurch, Tokoroa, Southland, New Plymouth, Oamaru, Palmerston North, Timaru and Whanganui.

See programme info sheet below for intake dates

• Programme information sheet 'Kia Rite Mo Te Mahi'

SHORT COURSES

Te Kakāno (Y-Skills for Life)

Intensive Literacy and Numeracy Programme (ILN)

Free Programme 80 - 300 hours

Enrol anytime in 2024, no set intake dates

A part time course (up to 20 hours per week). Receive 80-300 hours of expert teaching to raise reading, writing and math skills.

Offered at Ashburton, Christchurch, Southland, Gisborne, New Plymouth, Oamaru, Palmerston North, Timaru and Whanganui.

• Programme information sheet "Te Kakāno'

Adult and Community Education (ACE)

Free programme (up to 120 hours)

Enrol anytime in 2024, no set intake dates

Get a head start on your learning journey with our ACE free short course.

This and other ACE short courses Offered at New Plymouth, Whanganui, Palmerston North, Timaru, Ashburton, Christchurch, Invercargill locations.

• Programme information sheet 'ACE'

The YMCA PTE operates a NZQA and TEC approved subcontracting model. The National Council of YMCAs of New Zealand is a category 1 registered provider. NZQA is highly confident in the educational performance and self-assessment capability of our tertiary education organisation.

• www.nzqa.govt.nz/provider-reports

Dyslexia Friendly Charter

See Dyslexia Friendly Charter here

DFQM certificate

See DFQM certificate here

2024 Pastoral Care Attestation

See 2024 Pastoral Care Attestation here

2024 Pastoral Care Self-Review Summary

See 2024 Pastoral Care Self-Review Summary here

Students Complaints Policy

See Students Complaints Policy here

Our Team

We have an amazing team of education and youth focused people, all working to make a difference for every student that comes through our doors. We work across the country in different locations and as part of separate YMCA organisations, all making up one national Education team:

National Y Education Team

Responsible for oversight and management of Y Education.
Contact: info@ymcaeducation.ac.nz

Y Associations and Education Sites

Y Associations that deliver Y Education Programmes:
• Y Central South Island: education sites in Christchurch, Ashburton, Timaru and Oamaru
• Y Taranaki: education sites in New Plymouth, Whanganui, Palmerston North and Dannevirke
• Y Gisborne: education sites in Gisborne
• Y Southland: education sites in Invercargill
• Y South Waikato: education sites in Tokoroa

Get in touch

We'd love to hear from you whether you're a learner, stakeholder or community member, please provide your compliment, suggestion or complaint direct to the PTE here.

Contact: info@ymcaeducation.ac.nz

Partner Agencies

What our students say

I love the way the tutors know to communicate with the students I love the feeling of being a part of the YMCA with friends I now call family and the work is explained by the tutors in a way that everyone can understand and if anyone needs one on one help the tutors are always there to help you and they make sure you don't fail they push you to do your best and the results are unbelievable I never knew how smart I was until I came to the YMCA - YG student

I like how the tutors are nice and that everyone that comes into the TYMCA turns into a little family and that's something that makes the YMCA because its a family like community." - ILN student

It's a great learning environment. Everyone is really easy to get along with including the tutors making it easier to learn. They are also good at focusing on each individuals needs. - YG student

I am accepted for who I am. I am strongly encouraged to be the best I can be. I am not judged by my past just encouraged for my future. I am learning to believe in myself. For the first time in my life I am having fun learning in this wonderful no pressure environment.- ILN student

What our stakeholders say

The YMCA has been hugely supportive of our organisation in a number of ways, running health related programmes, transitioning our students and 1-1 support of our students through YJ. We are always treated with value and respect. Staff are always willing to find the best way to work with our students. Excellent job!! - Referral agent

I think the YMCA do a great job, they contact us for holistic support for rangatahi and keep us informed before problems get to big. - Young person support

The YMCA do a fantastic job often taking on challenging students who if not for the YMCA would not know a nurturing learning environment. I am grateful to have this resource in the community. Places like this are saving lives and giving hope and education back to youth. - Young person support