Please ensure training agreements are in place before training commences

All Careerforce training programmes have expected durations that are based on a TEC formula. However, one of the strengths of work-based learning is that it is self-paced, and learners have the flexibility to finish earlier or later. We are however aware of instances where learners are completing in an unrealistically short period, and this largely appears to be of instances where training agreements are not entered/processed until a learner is well into their learning journey, and where a large number of assessment results are entered simultaneously.

There are a number of reasons why it is important that training agreements are in place before training actually commences:

• We have a requirement that any submitted assessments are marked within 10 working days of receipt of the assessment from the learner, and any results are entered into iportal within 5 days of completion. It is important that feedback is provided to learners between assessments, and that this can be reflected in their subsequent assessments. It is unfair on the learner if assessments are not marked in a timely fashion.
• Careerforce offers a broad range of learner and employer supports, and unless a training agreement is entered into our system, we are simply not aware that a learner exists, and they will not receive the full suite of learner supports that Careerforce can provide. This includes our onboarding supports, our welcome packs, and the opportunity to participate in our various learner support workshops.
• Given the absolute importance of the integrity of our awarded qualifications, unrealistically short training durations can also unnecessarily trigger alarm bells for investigations into academic dishonesty.

Please ensure that all training agreements are submitted and processed at the very outset of learning. This ensures a fair and reasonable flow of assessments through to the learners’ assessor for marking and reporting. At a minimum, ensure all training agreements specify a start date that accurately reflects when learning actually commenced, such that recorded training durations accurately reflect the actual training durations.

To strengthen cybersecurity and protect user data, Careerforce has restricted overseas access to our Learning Management System, Aka Toi.
This measure will help to prevent unauthorised access, and cyber threats while ensuring compliance with data protection regulations.

What does this mean for you?

Since 10 March, learners and assessors who use Aka Toi are no longer be able to access Aka Toi from outside New Zealand. Thank you for your cooperation in keeping our learning environment secure.

To assist assessors in addressing concerns about inauthentic work and to reduce over-reliance on AI detection tools, we recommend using the SNIFF Test:

• Sense / Sound: Does the learner’s work feel right? Does it sound like their voice?
• Narrative: Is the learner’s work consistent with previous assessments? Are they referencing the same clients, workplace, or colleagues?
• Integrity: Is there a clear connection between the learner’s evidence and their claims? If unsure, check with observers, attestors, or verifiers.
• Fit: Does the assessment align with the learner’s actual work environment? (e.g., avoid using community-based examples from a residential learner)
• Focus: Does the learner provide concrete, specific examples related to their work, rather than vague or general statements?

This approach will help you feel more confident in your assessment decisions, knowing that the work you’re reviewing is authentic and truly reflects the learner's efforts.

For 2025, the enrolment fees for our most popular Level 2 and Level 3 Health and Wellbeing, Cleaning and Youth Work programmes have been reduced by over 50%, now priced at just $95 (incl. GST), down from $200–$230.

This initiative aims to ease the burden of training costs, making it more accessible for individuals and teams to enhance their skills and expertise, and ensure that workplaces can continue to access the learning they need to deliver high-quality care and support.

>>More information on reduced fees

Grammarly is a helpful writing tool for spelling and grammar, and many of our ESOL ākonga may use it to support their writing. While it can enhance English skills, it’s important to remind ākonga that it’s not a tool to prove competency.

Grammarly’s AI features can cross into areas of plagiarism or academic misconduct by altering a learner’s voice. We recommend the following guidelines:

How Ākonga Should Use Grammarly to Avoid Misuse:

1. Turn off automatic suggestions: Encourage ākonga to complete their first draft without any Grammarly assistance.
2. Save the original draft: Keep a raw, untouched version of the draft and submit both the draft and the Grammarly version clearly marked.
3. Avoid these Grammarly features:

• Autocompleting sentences
• Tone-changing tools (e.g., making the writing sound “academic” or “formal”)
• Paraphrasing tools (e.g., English fluency or automatic rewording)
• First draft generation
• Grammarly’s generative AI tool (to create content for assessments)

If Grammarly proves too challenging, find out why the learner is using it. They may be able to remove certain features entirely—and potentially save money!
Understanding the process your ākonga uses to complete their assessments will help you assess their authenticity and ensure they are producing their work in their own voice.