The New Zealand Certificate in English Language (NZCEL) Level 1 is more than just a course – it provides firm pathways to further study, meaningful work, and personal growth. It is also a formal qualification approved by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA).
By completing the certificate and improving their English language skills, learners can unlock new opportunities and take important steps towards achieving their various education and career goals.
At English Language Partners, the course offers a flexible learning experience with a part-time workload and assessments that are spread out throughout the course. This allows learners to focus on learning while balancing life outside of the classroom. It is specifically designed to meet the needs of people from migrant and refugee backgrounds.
We spoke to some inspiring learners who are studying towards NZCEL Level 1 at English Language Partners’ Horowhenua-Kāpiti Centre in Levin. Each learner has their own unique background, and NZCEL Level 1 equips them with the skills and confidence to pursue their individual aspirations.
Alejandro arrived in Aotearoa New Zealand from Venezuela in November 2023 with his wife, son and daughter. In Venezuela, he worked in construction, forklift driving and security systems.
Learning English has helped Alejandro to adapt to life in Levin and he believes it will help in finding a job. When he first moved to New Zealand, he thought “Oh no! Problems! I need to study English.” He believes New Zealand is a wonderful country with a lot of possibilities and choices.
He has many ideas for future study and work. His goal is to improve his language and to get a job. He would like to own his own business one day too – maybe a café, a bar, or a business in the construction or security industries where he has experience.
Alejandro says his teachers are kind and patient – they help him in different ways and methods. The advice he would give to other learners thinking about studying towards NZCEL Level 1 is, “don’t give up, we can learn more every day.”
Originally from Colombia, Adriana arrived in Aotearoa New Zealand in July 2023. She has ambitions to learn more English. Adriana believes learning English is helping her with many aspects of everyday life in Levin. This includes speaking, drama and quizzes. She particularly enjoys the quizzes, which make learning both fun and interactive.
When asked about what she enjoys most about her English classes, Adriana shared high praise for her teacher, saying “the teacher explains well”.
B.J. arrived in Aotearoa New Zealand from Samoa in March 2024 and began learning English soon after. He hopes to use his growing language skills to find a job or pursue further study in the future. Learning English has made everyday life in Levin easier for him, especially tasks like shopping.
In his NZCEL Level 1 classes at English Language Partners, B.J. particularly enjoys learning as part of a team. He acknowledges that one of the biggest challenges of moving to New Zealand has been living with many family members. He aspires to live independently from his parents and believes that improving his English will help him achieve this goal.
Juan arrived in Aotearoa New Zealand from Ecuador in March 2023. While he finds Levin to be a good place to live, moving so far from his family has been challenging.
In Ecuador, Juan worked in building and farming, and he hopes to continue working in these fields in New Zealand. Over the past year, he has been studying English and is eager to keep improving his skills. Learning English has given Juan greater independence, enabling him to do more tasks on his own. He believes learning English is important for good communication.
Juan shares that his teacher provides support with writing, speaking, and reading, but his favorite part of class is practising pronunciation. “Other people were confused by my English when I arrived”, he admits. Although he initially feared not knowing any English, Juan now feels more confident.
Leticia is from Medellin, Colombia and arrived in Aotearoa New Zealand in March 2023. “My goals and ambitions are to improve my English, have a good job and eventually have my own business,” says Leticia. She is interested in working in building, hairdressing, or cooking and aspires to own a business in hairdressing or hospitality.
Learning English has made a big difference in Leticia’s daily life. “It has helped me a lot to enjoy spending time with people, to understand some words, and to be understood by others. It is very gratifying,” she shares.
Leticia also appreciates her NZCEL Level 1 teacher and the supportive learning environment. “I like how my teacher teaches. She is very outgoing and respectful. She speaks slowly so that we understand her. She does many activities in class. She is an excellent person.”
Maafaavae arrived in Aotearoa New Zealand from Apia, Samoa in 2017. She describes Levin as a quiet and peaceful place.
For the past year, she has been studying English and is motivated to continue improving her skills. She has experience in fruit picking and would like to do more work in this area.
Maafaavae believes that learning English will help her with work prospects and help with meeting new people. She enjoys learning English alongside her classmates and working together in class.
Reflecting on her early days in New Zealand, Maafaavae recalls, “It’s not easy when you don’t work, and you don’t have money to pay bills and eat”. However, she believes there is opportunity. “There are many jobs to earn money to support families in Samoa.”
Yobany, originally from Colombia, arrived in Aotearoa New Zealand in 2023. Back in Colombia, he worked as a bodyguard, and during his time in Ecuador, he ran a washing machine rental business.
Yobany currently studies NZCEL Level 1 and wants to do further study to establish a career in New Zealand. In 2025, he hopes to obtain a licence to drive large vehicles. “I want to study to drive heavy machinery and tractor-trailers,” he shares.
In addition to his studies, Yobany volunteers in Levin, using his driving skills to support the community. “I volunteer by picking people up and driving them. There are other people studying in other places and I transport them,” he explains.
When asked what he enjoys most about his English classes, Yobany highlights “the patience and dedication of our teacher.”
Inspired? Sign up to study NZCEL.
Learn more about the New Zealand Certificate in English Language (Level 1), offered in select locations.
