Sport & Recreation Foundations (Level 3)

Build confidence. Work safely. Make a difference in your community.

Start your journey in sport and recreation

If you’re working (or starting out) in sport, recreation, or leisure, this programme gives you the confidence to step up in your role.

You’ll learn how to work safely, support your customers, and contribute to a positive, inclusive environment — all while gaining a nationally recognised qualification.

This programme leads to the New Zealand Certificate in Sport, Exercise and Leisure Operations (Level 3).

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Who it’s for

This programme is for people who are:

  • Working in sport, recreation, leisure, or active environments 
  • New to the industry or building confidence in their role 
  • Wanting to gain recognition for the skills they use every day 
  • Ready to take their role more seriously and grow.

You might be:

  • A recreation centre staff member 
  • A community sport, recreation worker or volunteer 
  • Working in customer-facing roles in active environments.
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What you’ll gain

This is more than a qualification — it’s about becoming someone your workplace can rely on.

By the end of the programme, you’ll be able to:

  • Work safely and responsibly in your environment 
  • Understand your role and how it contributes to your organisation 
  • Communicate confidently with customers and colleagues 
  • Deliver positive customer experiences 
  • Act professionally in a range of real-world situations 
  • Understand how sport and recreation benefits communities across Aotearoa.

You’ll build real confidence by applying what you learn directly in your job.

Why it matters (for learners and employers)

For learners

  • Gain confidence in your day-to-day work 
  • Know what’s expected of you and deliver it 
  • Build skills that transfer across the sport and recreation sector 
  • Take the first step in your career pathway.

For employers

  • Staff who understand health and safety responsibilities 
  • More confident, capable team members 
  • Improved customer experience and service delivery 
  • A stronger, more professional workplace culture.

How it works (real workplace learning)

This programme is designed around what you actually do at work.

You will:

  • Complete simple online assessments 
  • Be observed in your workplace over time 
  • Reflect on your real work shifts and experiences 
  • Show how you apply skills consistently — not just once.

You’ll be supported by:

  • An assessor 
  • A workplace evidence verifier
  • And your local Te Mahi Ako regional advisor.

What you’ll learn

The programme is built around three key areas:

1. Understanding your workplace and community

Learn how your organisation operates, who your customers are, and how your role contributes to the wellbeing of others.

2. Working safely

Develop the knowledge and habits to keep yourself and others safe, including managing risks, responding to emergencies, and following workplace procedures.

3. Working professionally

Build the skills to communicate well, support customers, work in a team, and represent your organisation with confidence.

Workplace proof

This qualification is not theory-based.

To complete it, you must:

  • Be working or volunteering regularly in the industry 
  • Demonstrate your skills on the job 
  • Show consistent performance over time.

That means when you finish, you haven’t just learned it, you’ve already proven you can do it.

Where it can take you

This is your foundation for a career in sport and recreation.

It can lead to:

  • Further study in sport, recreation, or exercise 
  • Increased responsibility in your current role 
  • Opportunities across community sport, facilities, and active recreation.

It also aligns with other Te Mahi Ako foundation programmes, helping you explore different pathways within the sector.

Before you start

To enrol, you need to:

  • Be working (paid or volunteer) in sport, recreation, or a related environment 
  • Have regular and consistent shifts 
  • Be supported by your workplace.

If you’re not currently in a role, get in touch, we can help you explore your options.

Programme details

  • Qualification: New Zealand Certificate in Sport, Exercise and Leisure Operations (Level 3) 
  • Credits: 40 
  • Duration: 7 months 
  • Delivery: Workplace-based + online assessment.
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Take the next step

Ready to build confidence in your role and make a real impact?

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