Tairawhiti free courses are a joint initiative between Intuto Ltd and Tairawhiti. Tairawhiti has utilised the WintecActive business systems and software, as developed by Intuto, throughout New Zealand. Tairawhiti free courses are hosted at training outlets such as tertiary institutes and local schools throughout New Zealand.

Thanks to Government support each Tairawhiti course is entirely free to all New Zealanders aged 16 years and older. This project is part of the Government's knowledge wave initiative aiming at upskilling New Zealand communities in computing.

There are 10 courses of study that make up this programme of study.
The following courses
1. Computer hardware
2. Using an operating system
3. Computer software
Relate to the EXTERNAL IC3 Computer Fundamentals examination.

The following courses
4. Common programme functions
5. Word processing functions
6. Spreadsheet functions
Relate to the EXTERNAL IC3 Key Applications examination.

The following courses
7. Networks and the Internet
8. Using Electronic mail
9. the Internet
10. The impact of computing and the internet on society
Relate to the EXTERNAL IC3 Living Online examination.

When you successfully pass all courses and the external IC3 exams you will be awarded the Tairawhiti Polytechnic Certificate in Internet and Computing Operation.

1. Presentation Skills
2. Computer Hardware
3. Using an Operating System
4. Computer Software
5. Common Program Functions
6. Word Processing Functions
7. Spreadsheet Functions
8. Networks and the Internet
9. Electronic Mail
10. Using the Internet

 Course Eligibility

Our courses are FREE to New Zealand Citizens and Permanent Residents. If you are under 16 you are required to complete an exemption certificate which you can download here

Our courses are primarily designed for adults.
They are extremely useful for anyone with a desire to improve their computing skills including:

• parents wanting to up skill
• school leavers
• job seekers
• seniors
• anyone who wants preparatory training for the IC3 (Internet and Computing Core Certification) qualification - see below

Course Structure

1. Each course is approximately 40 hours of self-paced learning.
2. The first two hours are spent in a classroom with a facilitator to get you started.
3. You will then be given password access for the following 36-month to continue your learning at home, the office or wherever you have access to an Internet linked computer.
4. During the 36-month period you are welcome to return to the same class for a refresher.

What will you need?

1. A computer with Windows 98 or higher (Windows 2000 is preferred) .
2. An Internet connection.
3. The software application you are learning. For example:
   • Word Processing - Microsoft Word 2000
   • Spreadsheets - Excel 2000
   • Presentations - PowerPoint 2000
   • Databases - Access 2000
   • Desktop Publishing - Publisher 2000

Help

During the 36-month duration you:

• Have password access to course content
• Phone support: 0800 483673 (Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 5:30pm)
• Online Help - email from website
• Additional classroom time available if needed (remember to book a place to secure seat)