How Skills Update is securing young lives
If you're aged between 16 and 19 and have ever considered a job in security, the National Certificate in Security qualifications at Skills Update could be the stepping stone to exciting job prospects in a high-growth industry. With the Auckland economy booming, there is an ever growing requirement of qualified staff in a number of roles that include event security, patrol security, retail security, community security, bar door work or employment as a bodyguard.
What's more, the Levels 2 and 3 programmes are free to eligible teenagers under the Youth Guarantee scheme and you'll get a travel allowance as well.
Zaya from Henderson is among those students who have taken advantage of the course to brighten their job prospects. The 20 year old says Skills Update is just what she needed to get her life back on track. "This is way better than school," she explains. "It's more like a family where you can relax and study at your own pace. Our tutor explains everything in an easy to understand manner and the course is flexible so I can juggle studies and family commitments."
Zaya is currently exploring a number of options before she enters the job market.
Quinton Te Ahu from Sunnyvale shares Zaya's positive outlook. "Initially I found the going hard, but with support from my tutor I carried on. I now enjoy coming to class because I know I'll have a great job at the end of it," says the 17 year old.
Tutor Garry Miller agrees both Zaya and Quinton have become more confident, disciplined and focussed individuals compared to when they started. "It doesn't matter what shape they come in, when they leave they are transformed individuals," he says.
A retired police sergeant who joined the Police in 1969, Garry currently volunteers with the Maori, Pacific and Ethnic Services division, training tomorrow's police recruits through the Auckland Safety Community Patrol.
He says the course is challenging and that's why the students love it. "Plus they know it's a good industry to be in."
And he assures: "If they show the dedication to succeed, I can guarantee them a job."
To learn more about the programmes, call Skills Update on 0800 00 00 55. Visit www.skillsupdate.co.nz.
Poll: 🤖 What skills do you think give a CV the ultimate edge in a robot-filled workplace?
The Reserve Bank has shared some pretty blunt advice: there’s no such thing as a “safe” job anymore 🛟😑
Robots are stepping into repetitive roles in factories, plants and warehouses. AI is taking care of the admin tasks that once filled many mid-level office jobs.
We want to know: As the world evolves, what skills do you think give a CV the ultimate edge in a robot-filled workplace?
Want to read more? The Press has you covered!
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53.7% Human-centred experience and communication
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14.6% Critical thinking
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29.1% Resilience and adaptability
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2.6% Other - I will share below!
Poll: Should complete designs be shared with the public, or should the community help shape the designs from the start?
The Post recently shared an opinion piece on the Harbour Crossing and why a more democratic approach might be needed 🚗🚲👟
While most decisions sit within the political arena, many organisations—like NZTA—manage long-term projects that go beyond party lines. Politics can sometimes disrupt progress, and the next Harbour Crossing is a big decision that will affect all Aucklanders.
We’d love your thoughts: Should near-complete, shovel-ready designs be shared with the public, or should the community have a hand in shaping the designs from the start?
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81.3% Community feedback and transparency is needed.
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18.7% No. This would be impossible in practice.
Have you got New Zealand's best shed? Show us and win!
Once again, Resene and NZ Gardener are on the hunt for New Zealand’s best shed! Send in the photos and the stories behind your man caves, she sheds, clever upcycled spaces, potty potting sheds and colourful chicken coops. The Resene Shed of the Year 2026 winner receives $1000 Resene ColorShop voucher, a $908 large Vegepod Starter Pack and a one-year subscription to NZ Gardener. To enter, tell us in writing (no more than 500 words) why your garden shed is New Zealand’s best, and send up to five high-quality photos by email to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz. Entries close February 23, 2026.
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