This qualification will equip graduates with the skills, knowledge and attributes that may lead to further career specific training or higher-level degree study in any area. It will also provide graduates with the skills, knowledge and attributes to seek entry-level employment in their chosen career path.

Graduates of this qualification will be able to:
- Express and apply rangatiratanga (leadership), tuhonohono (engagement) and mauitanga (innovation) and will have a sound grounding in tikanga and kaupapa Maori principles and practices that they can apply to a range of settings and in particular in an employment situation.
- Self-manage and self-direct through the recruitment and selection processes of employment.
- Perform employment activities and tasks with specific skills and knowledge for industries of their chosen career.
- Demonstrate their ability and skills in leadership as well as being able to work in teams.
- Communicate with people of various cultures and backgrounds.
- Demonstrate knowledge of workplace literacy and numeracyrelevant to the chosen career.
- Perform and demonstrate analytical and logical skills that are relevant to their chosen career.
- Demonstrate, express and implement a sound understanding of hauora (personal health and wellbeing) and health and safety principles relating to a work place environment.
- Demonstrate practical skills that are essential in a working environment such as time management, self-management, and planning.

Graduates will have the knowledge and skills required to proceed to further study at a higher level in range of different areas.

Taumata Rakura: Certificate in Career Preparation (Corrections): 1. A New Zealand citizen (or citizen of Australia, Tokelau, Niue, Cook Islands) or permanent resident; and 2. A minimum of 18 years of age or must be turning 18 years of age by the time of graduating; and 3. Meet the eligibility, suitability for admission and external support criteria as outlined in the Programme Pre Enrolment Guidelines.

A series of selection processes including (where relevant) a Police clearance check, psychometric and fitness test, and interviews are compulsory before final selection will be made.

Programme specific entry criteria for Taumata Rakura: Certificate in Career Preparation (Police) are as follows:
1. A New Zealand citizen (or citizen of Australia, Tokelau, Niue, Cook Islands) or permanent resident; and
2. A minimum of 16 years of age or over (unless exemption has been granted) at the commencement of the programme; and
3. Meet the eligibility, suitability for admission and external support criteria as outlined in the Programme Pre Enrolment Guidelines. These include:
Must be medically and physically fit
Must be proficient in English and Maths
Must meet the vetting standards applied by NZ Police to all applicants
Must be committed to completing the programme
Must have at least a restricted drivers license

A series of selection processes including a Police clearance check, psychometric and fitness test, and interviews are compulsory before Te Wananga o Aotearoa and the Police can make final selection.

Programme specific entry criteria for Taumata Raukura: Certificate in Career Preparation (Infrastructure) are as follows:
1. A New Zealand citizen (or citizen of Australia, Tokelau, Niue, Cook Islands) or permanent resident; and
2. A minimum of 16 years of age; and
3. Meet the eligibility, suitability for admission and external support criteria as outlined in the Programme Pre-Enrolment Guidelines. These shall include:
Must be committed to completing the programme
Must have at least a restricted drivers license
Have a Level 2 or equivalent qualification; or attain competence in a level 2 pre-assessment that reflects literacy and numeracy abilities.

Programme specific entry criteria for Taumata Raukura: Certificate in Career Preparation (Primary Industries - Agriculture) are as follows:
1. A New Zealand citizen (or citizen of Australia, Tokelau, Niue, Cook Islands) or permanent resident; and
2. A minimum of 16 years of age; and
3. Meet the eligibility, suitability for admission and external support criteria as outlined in the Programme Pre-Enrolment Guidelines. These shall include:
Must be committed to completing the programme
Have a Level 2 or equivalent qualification; or attain competence in a level 2 pre-assessment that reflects literacy and numeracy abilities.

Programme specific entry criteria for Taumata Raukura: Certificate in Career Preparation (Tertiary Learning Skills) are as follows:
1. A New Zealand citizen (or citizen of Australia, Tokelau, Niue, Cook Islands) or permanent resident; and
2. A minimum of 16 years of age (unless exemption has been granted) at the commencement of the programme; and
3. Meet the eligibility, suitability for admission and external support criteria as outlined in the Programme Pre-Enrolment Guidelines. These shall include:
Must be committed to completing the programme
Must be committed to higher level study upon completion
Have a Level 2 or equivalent qualification; or attain competence in a level 2 pre-assessment that reflects literacy and numeracy abilities.