Trainee support

At Connexis, we’re here to support learners and employers as they grow, develop new skills, and shape a stronger, future-ready workforce.

Our support goes beyond training. From funding assistance to wellbeing resources and learning support, we’re committed to helping apprentices and trainees thrive – both on the job and in life.

With the right tools and guidance, together we can build a future-ready workforce across New Zealand's infrastructure industries.

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Learning support

Specialised Support

Study Tips

WELLBEING SUPPORT

Vitae

Looking after yourself

FUNDING SUPPORT

Fees Free

Financial Advice

HELPFUL LINKS

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LEARNING SUPPORT

We understand everyone learns differently, which is why Connexis provides free, specialised learning support services to all trainees with learning and/or neurodiversity differences – helping build the skills and confidence to succeed in their training.

Specialised support

HOW CAN WE HELP?

Part of Connexis’ job is to provide support to apprentices with learning differences. We also help employers support their employees who learn differently.

Developing your literacy and numeracy skills will not only benefit you at work but also help you in many other everyday tasks. This will help you:

Improve your writing skills for work or study
Understand graphs, charts, and other visual information
Perform measurements and calculations more effectively
Speak to and understand others better at work
Read complicated specifications or detailed instructions
Gain a better understanding of tax or KiwiSaver works
Learn effective study and exam techniques.

The Learner Support team may be able to help with:

Whether it’s reading, writing or maths, understanding the training materials, or juggling work and study, Connexis can work with you to help overcome challenges you’re facing.

We check in regularly to make sure things are on track and can help troubleshoot when something’s not clicking.

Support we offer:

Online literacy and numeracy assessments
Guidance to online resources
One-on-one support if needed

If you’re neurodivergent (for example, you have ADHD, autism, dyslexia, or another learning difference), we’re here to support your training.

We’ll work with you, your employer, and your training provider to make adjustments that help you succeed.

Support we offer:

Guidance on how to access reasonable adjustments
Help communicating your needs to your employer or tutor
Resources and learning strategies tailored to how you learn best
Regular eight week check-ins to see how you’re tracking
Support with things like focus, organisation, or managing overwhelm
Extra time in exams
Access to a C-PEN.

NEED a helping hand with your training? We're just a call away.

We want all our trainees to have the skills and confidence to make the most of their training.

Whether it’s through one-on-one support or part of a wider programme, if you have specialised learning needs, we make sure your voice is heard and help you get the tools you need to stay on top of your learning. If you need support with your learning, please get in touch!

Email our Learning Support team on llnsupport@connexis.ac.nz or contact your CSAM.

STUDY TIPS

If you haven’t trained or studied for a while, or if you’re feeling unsure about getting started – you’re not alone. Here are some useful tips on how to get the best out of your on-job training.

First, ask yourself: When? Where? How?

Plan your time (and use it well)

It helps to plan when you will study and how you can make the most of your study time:

Use a calendar, a list of dates or a wall planner to keep track of assessment dates. Plan ahead. Space out your study time each week for the whole training programme.
Do the hardest work when you’re feeling your best. Save the easy stuff for when you’re tired.
Set yourself a time limit for each task and stick to it.

Know your learning style

Understanding how you learn best can make study feel more natural and effective. What type of learner are you?

Auditory learner: Try reading your notes out loud or recording key points to listen to later.
Visual learner: Use colourful notes, mind maps, or images to help ideas stick.
Tactile (kinaesthetic) learner: Learn best by doing – try hands-on tasks, role-playing, or building models to revise.

These are just a few ways to make your training journey easier and more effective. Explore what works for you, and don’t be afraid to ask for support along the way.

WELLBEING SUPPORT

vitae

We’ve partnered with Vitae to provide a wide range of support services for our apprentices and trainees.

Whether it’s physical health, mental health, financial advice, or legal support, help is just a call away.

All services are free and confidential. Vitae follows the NZAC Code of Ethics: nzac.org.nz/site/ethics-concerns/code-of-ethics

Life can be challenging. Through Vitae, our learners have access to registered counsellors and psychologists, all with a minimum of five years’ clinical experience. A 24/7 freephone number and email contact is available to all employees.

Support is available for issues such as:

Stress and anxiety
Depression
Grief and trauma
Conflict resolution
Relationship or family issues
Career transitions
Gambling, alcohol or substance use
And other emotional difficulties

Need support?

If you need support, contact your Customer Service Account Manager or reach out to Vitae directly on:

LOOKING AFTER YOURSELF

Want some practical self-care tips so you can look after yourself today? Check out the below!

Prioritise sleep
Aim for 7–8 hours of quality sleep each night. Good sleep improves focus and energy for learning.
Tip: Avoid caffeine late in the day and create a calming bedtime routine.
Read more
Stay Active
Regular physical activity reduces stress and boosts mood. Even a short walk outdoors can help.
Ideas for physical wellbeing
Eat Balanced Meals
Nutritious food supports mental clarity and energy. Limit sugary snacks and processed foods.
Nutrition and mental health tips
Take Regular Breaks
Schedule short breaks during study or work to recharge. Try deep breathing or a quick stretch.
Self-care checklist ideas
Connect with Others
Stay in touch with friends, whānau, or peers. Social support helps reduce stress and feelings of isolation.
Tips for staying connected
Practice Mindfulness or Meditation
Apps like Headspace or Calm can help manage stress and improve focus.
Explore mindfulness resources

FUNDING SUPPORT

Fees Free

What is Fees Free?

Starting tertiary study or work-based learning for the first time? You may be able to get Fees Free after you complete your first eligible qualification or programme.

Fees Free covers the cost of your fees for the final year of study or final two years of work-based learning, up to $12,000.

When you enrol, you will need to pay your fees. To help you cover this cost, you may wish to apply for a student loan. Find out more at  Student loan – StudyLink

For more information on the eligibility requirements and when it is best to apply for Fees Free, visit  Fees Free – Inland Revenue

FInancial advice

If you need external financial advice, you can use Vitae services (as above), or contact MoneyTalks free financial helpline on:
📞 0800 345 123 | Text 4029
✉️ help@moneytalks.co.nz
🔗 https://www.moneytalks.co.nz/

HELPFUL LINKS

Whatever the problem, support is available. Remember, you are not alone. Check out some resources that may be helpful.

Emergency Number for police, fire and ambulance services: 111

24/7 Free Helplines

Need to Talk? – Call or text 1737 for free support from a trained counsellor – 1737.org.nz
Lifeline Aotearoa – Call 0800 543 354 or free text 4357 (HELP) – lifeline.org.nz
Youthline – Call 0800 376 633 or text 234 – www.talk@youthline.co.nz
Depression Helpline – Call 0800 111 757 or free text 4202 – depression.org.nz
Suicide Crisis Helpline – Call 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO) – lifeline.org.nz

Online Mental Health tools

Just a Thought – Free CBT-based online courses for anxiety & depression – justathought.co.nz
SPARX – Interactive game for youth to manage depression – sparx.org.nz
Aunty Dee – Problem-solving tool for Māori & Pasifika youth – auntydee.co.nz
Small Steps – Free micro-tools for stress and anxiety – smallsteps.org.nz
The Lowdown – Text 5626 or visit website for youth support – thelowdown.co.nz

Additional Support

Alcohol & Drug Helpline – 0800 787 797 (text 8681) – www.alcoholdrughelp.org.nz
Anxiety NZ – 0800 269 4389 (0800 ANXIETY) – www.anxiety.org.nz
Citizens Advice – 0800 FORCAB (0800 367 222) – www.cab.org.nz
Gambling Helpline – 0800 654 655 – www.gamblinghelpline.co.nz
Mental Health Foundation NZ – Resources, guides, and helpline info – mentalhealth.org.nz
Quitline – 0800 778 778 – www.quit.org.nz
Rainbow Youth helpline – (09) 376 4155 – www.ry.org.nz
Safe to Talk – 0800 044 334 or free text 4334 – www.safetotalk.nz
Samaritans – 0800 726 666 – www.samaritans.org.nz
Te Whatu Ora Wellbeing Hub – Free tools and provider directory – wellbeingsupport.health.nz

Trainee support

Quick Links

LEARNING SUPPORT

Specialised support

STUDY TIPS

WELLBEING SUPPORT

vitae

Need support?

LOOKING AFTER YOURSELF

FUNDING SUPPORT

Fees Free

FInancial advice

HELPFUL LINKS

0800 486 626

askus@connexis.org.nz