How it works

We want to provide you with what you need to know; not to re-teach the skills and knowledge you already have. That’s why the Assessment of Prior Learning (APL) process is at the heart of this programme. The knowledge and experience you have gained in your career will be recognised, and your programme of study will be designed to fill in the gaps needed to become an competent teacher.

STEP 1. Consultation with Capable NZ at Otago Polytechnic.

Before you start study, it is important to be confident that the Capable NZ process is right for you. Capable NZ will perform an initial assessment of your professional capacity, work experience, and readiness for tertiary study in consultation with the relevant Otago Polytechnic academic schools.

STEP 2. Apply, and gain acceptance to, the University of Otago College of Education.

If we identify that you are likely to succeed through the Capable NZ process, you can go ahead and submit an application for the College of Education. This will involve ensuring teaching is a suitable career for you.

STEP 3. Get up to speed with Capable NZ at Otago Polytechnic.

The practical, applied learning degree programmes at Otago Polytechnic have been recognised as ideally appropriate qualifications to prepare you for technology teaching. You will either study for the Bachelor of Culinary Arts, Bachelor of Design (Product), or a Bachelor of Design (Fashion).

We realise that people who have been working in trades areas will have gained a great number of skills throughout the course of their lives. That’s why achieving your degree begins with an assessment of your existing knowledge and skills through Capable NZ at Otago Polytechnic. Capable NZ are national leaders in the Assessment of Prior Learning (APL).

APL is an essential part of the Capable Teachers programme, and an outstanding opportunity to fast track your degree. You will critically reflect on the knowledge and skills you already have and this will count towards your qualification. Most people find this a valuable learning process in its own right, and you may find you are well on the way towards your degree. From this, Capable NZ will help identify what extra knowledge you need to complete the qualification, and develop a programme of study for you. This is a very individualised process and may involve online study, block courses or workshops, work-based tasks or even project work - it all depends on your circumstances and the skills and knowledge you are able to demonstrate.

The Capable NZ process will normally bring you up to the level required to enter the final year of your degree. However,exceptional candidates may be able to demonstrate enough knowledge to achieve the entire degree through Capable NZ.

The Capable NZ process can take place at Otago Polytechnic in Dunedin or by distance. Many candidates undertake this process part-time, enabling them to continue working

More information on how APL works at Capable NZ

STEP 4. Induction to study

Before embarking on the final year of your degree, you will participate in a two-week induction programme at Otago Polytechnic.

STEP 5. Complete your degree at Otago Polytechnic

This normally involves one year of full-time study. Part-time and distance options are available.

STEP 6. Complete a Graduate Diploma in Teaching at the University of Otago College of Education

This is a one year, full-time programme, designed especially to prepare those with degrees for life in the classroom. As well as covering theory and planning, the programme has a strong practical emphasis, including several placements at secondary schools.

You are now a fully qualified food or technology teacher!