Free support worker pathway
Support Worker Learning Pathway
A clearer way to work through NZQC support-worker learning. Start with the foundations, then select role, task and specialist learning that fits the worker's actual work.
This is a learning framework, not a statement that every course is mandatory. What a worker needs depends on the service, their role and tasks, workplace risks, applicable sector requirements, contractual requirements and the provider's policies and procedures. Some tasks also need practical training, observation or competency assessment — an online certificate alone does not prove practical competency.
1. Core foundations
Rights, person-centred support, communication and the basic responsibilities that underpin good support.
SW-001 Rights, Dignity, Choice & ConsentSW-002 Privacy & Health InformationSW-003 Person-Centred Support & Supported Decision-MakingSW-004 Safeguarding: Abuse, Neglect & ExploitationSW-005 Cultural Safety & Responsive SupportSW-018 Progress Notes & Everyday DocumentationSW-019 Receiving Concerns & ComplaintsSW-020 Open Disclosure Awareness
2. Safe everyday support
Common day-to-day support topics that help workers recognise needs, maintain dignity and escalate concerns.
3. Role & risk-based learning
Select these where the worker's duties and work environment expose them to the relevant risk.
4. Task & competency-based learning
Use these when the worker actually performs the task. Several require provider-specific practical training and competency checks as well as knowledge learning.
SW-008 Medication Support: Role, Safety & EscalationSW-009 Personal CareSW-010 Moving & Handling People AwarenessSW-016 Support Equipment & Assistive DevicesSW-025 Medication Incidents & Changes
Important: Completing these online modules does not by itself establish practical competency or authorisation for medication support, moving and handling people, equipment use or other task-specific practice. Employers should record any required observation, supervision, competency check and authorisation separately.
Using this with the Training Matrix: Add the learning selected for each worker to the free NZQC Workplace Training Matrix. Use the Classification field to distinguish core, role/risk-based, task/competency-based and specialist learning, and use the competency fields where practical verification is needed.