Apprenticeship in Peer Support (Level 4)
Social Services
A course by
Careerforce
A workplace-based Level 4 apprenticeship designed for peer support workers across mental health, disability, addiction, and social services, leading to the New Zealand Certificate in Health and Wellbeing (Peer Support).
Blended study
This is a mix of online learning & face-to-face sessions
It will take a total of 21 months
Core skills this course teaches
Support people, family, and whānau with their goals
Work alongside individuals and their support systems to enable achievement of personal goals.
Understand evolution and practices of peer work
Demonstrate knowledge of how the peer work role has developed in Aotearoa New Zealand and best practices in the field.
Apply Te Tiriti o Waitangi in peer support
Demonstrate understanding and integration of Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles in the provision of peer support.
What You're Signing Up For
The Apprenticeship in Peer Support (Level 4) equips learners with specific skills and knowledge to work in peer support roles in mental health, disability, addiction, and related sectors. Participants benefit from one-to-one guidance through Careerforce's Apprenticeship Advisors while learning on the job and via the Aka Toi online platform. The underlying philosophy is to develop a person-centred, critical-thinking peer support workforce that can guide individuals through health challenges, promoting autonomy, well-being, and self-determination.
Course Content
- Supporting individuals, family, and whānau with their goals
- History and evolution of peer work in Aotearoa
- Role and practices of peer workers
- Knowledge and application of Te Tiriti o Waitangi
- Understanding kawa and tikanga, and Māori perspectives
- Developing self-awareness and reflective practice
- Self-care and personal leadership
- Promoting professionalism, safety, and quality in practice
- Establishing purposeful peer support relationships
What you need to know first
Applicants must be currently employed in a peer work or peer support role
Lived experience relevant to peer support
Support of employer required
Must have a robust self care/wellness plan
What sort of industry will this job lead to
Health and Wellbeing
Mental Health
Addiction Support
Disability Support
Social Services
Future employment opportunities might be
Peer Support Worker
Navigator
Peer Support Work roles in mental health, addiction, disability, or health sectors