Apprenticeship in Disability Support (Level 4)
Social Services
A course by
Careerforce
An apprenticeship leading to the New Zealand Certificate in Health and Wellbeing (Social and Community Services) - Disability Support strand, designed for experienced staff to develop skills supporting disabled people to live good lives.
Blended study
This is a mix of online learning & face-to-face sessions
It will take a total of 95 weeks


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Understand diverse cultures in support roles
Develop an understanding of the different cultures that disability support workers encounter and apply culturally appropriate practices.

Engage with respect in social and community services
Engage and communicate respectfully with disabled people, their families, and whānau, valuing their socio-cultural identities, experiences, and self-knowledge.

Build relationships and support goal achievement
Develop effective relationships and support disabled people to achieve their intended outcomes.
What You're Signing Up For
This apprenticeship develops the advanced skills needed for experienced staff to support disabled people, their family, whānau, and communities. It builds critical thinking, reflective practice, and person-centred professional leadership in the health and disability support sector, underpinned by the knowledge of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and cultural responsiveness. Apprentices complete on-job learning supported by an advisor, and achieve nationally-recognised qualifications to support complex health conditions and improve community health outcomes.
Course Content
- Person-centred disability support philosophy and practice
- Supporting autonomy and life goals of disabled people
- Culturally responsive engagement with disabled people and whānau
- Knowledge and application of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, kawa and tikanga
- Understanding New Zealand’s health and wellbeing aims
- Professionalism, safety, and quality in the workplace
- Self-awareness, self-care, and reflective practice
- Research and applied knowledge of disability conditions or issues
- On-job, self-directed, and supported learning
What you need to know first
Must be currently employed in a disability support service
Must have the support of your employer to enroll
Recommended for experienced staff

What sort of industry will this job lead to
Disability Support
Health and Social Services
Community Care

Future employment opportunities might be
Disability Support Worker
Disability Information Consultant
Disability Case Worker
Navigator
Teacher Aide


Coming Soon: Nexties Explorer
Our AI-powered Explorer is almost ready. Soon, you’ll be able to build a dynamic profile of your skills, goals, and strengths, and get a curated selection of courses just for you.
More details