Impact of COVID-19 on Skills Matter students’ study and work

This report provides findings from the evaluation conducted by Te Pou on the impact of COVID-19 on students participating in Skills Matter programmes. The Skills Matter programme provides postgraduate training funding for new graduates and existing practitioners working in DHB, NGO and primary care settings, including nurses, social workers, occupational therapists, psychologists, and addiction practitioners. The aim of the Skills Matter programme is to support new entrants to develop the required clinical skills and knowledge as they transition into practice and to support existing practitioners in mental health and addiction to develop advanced skills in high priority areas. Students study while they are in employment.

This evaluation was conducted by Te Pou at the request of the Ministry of Health. The purpose was to capture the impact of COVID -19 on Skills Matter students' study and work from different perspectives, Te Pou conducted three separate surveys: students who were enrolled in 2020, students who were enrolled in 2021, and employers of those students. This report is the combined feedback of the three surveys.