Skills Matter

Te Pou manages Skills Matter funding on behalf of Health Workforce New Zealand.

Skills Matter provides funding for postgraduate training for new graduates and existing practitioners, including nurses, social workers, occupational therapists, psychologists and addiction practitioners working in DHB, NGO and primary care settings. 

All programmes combine academic and workplace learning, and are at  postgraduate level (levels 8 and 9 in the New Zealand qualifications framework).

Studying or thinking about it?

Prospective students find out what programmes are on offer and how to apply using the menu to the right, and learn about the travel and accommodation assistance grant. Also check out what past students have said on our impact page.

Current students should be familiar with the service specifications for their course, and understand the travel and accommodation assistance grants.

Managers and employers – what you need to know

Our resource Guidance for employers of Skills Matters trainees explains what employers need to know, and do, in order to support an employee to successfully complete their programme and apply their new knowledge in the workplace. You should also be familiar with the service specifications for courses that your employees are enrolled in, and you can read evaluations, reflections and stories from past students on our impact page.

Non-government organisations (NGOs)

Students from NGOs are eligible to apply to all courses. However, if a NGO-based nurse is interested in applying for the new entry to specialist practice: mental health and addiciton nursing (NESP) programme they should indicate their interest to Te Pou in the first instance.

The following guides outline some considerations for NGO-based students and employers.
• Guidance for employers of Skills Matters trainees.
• Guidance for NGOs supporting nurses on the New Entry to Specialist Practice programme.