Course details

New Zealand Certificate in Foundation Skills
NZQF Level 1

About the course

This is the Ultimate alternative to school! Ultimate is a FREE programme designed for students who didn’t enjoy school and are looking to gain skills and insight towards a pathway for their future.

Ultimate offers the opportunity for students to earn an NZ Certificate in Foundation Skills (Level 1), credits towards NCEA Level 1, gain their learner drivers licence and explore a range of practical study and career tasters. This course will help to prepare students for life beyond school by covering personal financial planning, computer skills, writing CV’s, and by giving them the opportunity to sit their learner driver’s licence. And that’s just the beginning!

Students can learn in a relaxed setting through alternate methods of learning, cover literacy and numeracy in an engaging way and discover embedded learning through games. They will also develop self-management, time management, and teamwork skills to help prepare them for further learning and employment.

Taught in a fun environment, students will experience a range of career tasters. These tasters may vary between campuses but include such things as an introduction to barista skills, safe use of quad bikes and tractors, food preparation, cash handling skills and much more.

Entry requirements

  • For students aged 16-19.
  • No previous qualifications at NCEA Level 1 or higher.

International Students:

  • Not available to International students.

About the provider

Vision College is a division of ATctivate Training Centre which is a charitable company born out of a desire to invest into the future of New Zealand and the world by growing people. Since 1984, thousands of people have benefitted from the dedication of our staff and their support for learners of all ages and backgrounds. Our staff enjoy the challenge and satisfaction of this mission, seeing changed lives and people growing toward their full potential.



We offer a variety of programmes across multiple campuses. You can study from Level 1 Certificates through to Level 7 Degrees.

Vision College has 8 Schools incorporating the following areas of study:

Business Administration (Level 3)
Counselling (Level 5-7)
Early Childhood Education (Level 3-5)
Information Technology (Level 5-6)
Christian Ministry (Level 5)
Music (Level 5-7)
Ultimate - Foundation Skills (Level 1-2)
Trades - Security, Mechanical Engineering & Agriculture (Level 2-3)

Most of our courses are free for domestic students (conditions apply)

All of our programmes are NZQA approved and, where applicable, eligible for students to apply for loans and allowances.