Tāngata centred education

Backing the next generation of Aotearoa

Get qualified, for free

We guide young tāngata to reach positive outcomes through unique educational opportunities. At Y Education, you’ll find a supportive environment where your tutors will have your back. It’s a place where you can learn in a way that makes sense to you, pursue what excites you, and gain the qualifications that open doors to meaningful careers, for free.

Learn More

What you can learn with us

We provide a range of free tertiary programmes to support your future pathway and prepare you for further study or employment.

Our Programmes

Foundation Skills Level 1
Te Hiringa o te Wai

New Zealand Certificate in Foundation Skills Level 1

  • Free 20 Week Programme
  • Gain credits towards NCEA Level 1 & 2
  • This programme will provide fundamental life and study skills for youth wanting to engage or reengage with learning, preparing them for their next step in their study and/or career development.

Offered at New Plymouth, Palmerston North, Whanganui, Dannervirke, Tokoroa, Ashburton, Christchurch, Timaru, Oāmaru and Invercargill.

Learn More

Ready2Work Level 2
Kia rite mo te mahi

New Zealand Certificate in Foundation Skills Level 2

  • Free 20 Week Programme
  • Gain credits towards NCEA Level 1 & 2
  • This programme will provide youth with work and life skills, preparing them to be ready for work and/or pathway into further study.

Offered at New Plymouth, Palmerston North, Whanganui, Dannervirke, Ashburton, Christchurch, Timaru, Oāmaru and Invercargill.

Learn More

Automotive
Ahumahi Waka

Y Trades Programmes - Level 2 and Level 3 Certificates

  • Free 30-40 Week Programme
  • Gain credits towards NCEA Level 1 & 2
  • Gain NZ Certificate in Automotive Level 2 and/or 3
  • This program offers youth a pathway to enter into the Automotive Industry.

Offered at Gisborne

Learn More

Carpentry
Kāmura

Y Trades Programmes - Level 1 and Level 2 Certificates

  • Free 30 Week Programme
  • Gain credits towards NCEA Level 1 & 2
  • New Zealand Certificate in Building, Construction and Allied Trades Skills Level 1 & 2
  • This program offers youth a pathway to enter various trade-related careers, helping them develop a versatile approach to learning through project-based activities.

Offered at Gisborne

Learn More

Y GOALS
(Gain opportunities and life skills)

Literacy and Numeracy Programme (ILN)

  • Free Programme 80 - 300 hours
  • This programme will build essential literacy and
numeracy skills, equipping learners with
the tools they need to grab opportunities in education, employment and life.

Offered at Gisborne, New Plymouth, Palmerston North, Whanganui, Dannervirke, Tokoroa, Ashburton, Christchurch, Timaru, Oāmaru and Invercargill.

Learn More

Adult and Community Education (ACE)

A range of community based education programmes

  • Free programme up to 120 hours
  • Programmes vary across the sites, ranging from preparing for study, preparing for work, licence skills and developing own health and wellbeing.

Offered at Gisborne, New Plymouth, Palmerston North, Whanganui, Dannervirke, Ashburton, Christchurch, Timaru, Oāmaru and Invercargill. 


Learn More

What our Learners say

We are on a journey to guide young tāngata toward positive outcomes through unique educational experiences. We understand that everyone’s path is different, and by elevating mana, we change learner’s lives for the good.

Watch their Stories

It doesn’t matter where you come from, it matters where you’re going.

Shape your own pathway

We understand that everyone’s path is different, and we’re here to support you on your journey, whatever that may be.

Discover who you want to be

It doesn’t matter where you come from, it matters where you’re going. Here, you can discover who you want to be and how to get there.

We can help you change your life, for good

Change can be big or small, that’s up to you, but it’s focused on you reaching a positive outcome.

Start your journey

We understand that everyone’s path is different, and we’re here to support you on your journey, whatever that may be. Our environment is positive for you to build your mana, work towards something, and know that the future is bright...always.

Get Started

Our Partners