Direct Career Service

What you can get

You can get one-on-one help to understand your skills and explore new career opportunities. This can include:

• planning your next steps into work or training
• understanding your skills and how you can use them in a new job
• looking for a new direction or exploring training options and more. 

This service will not affect the support you get from us.

Who can use this

This service is available to all New Zealand residents who are 17 or older and want support to plan their career. You can also use this service if you are 16 years old and you’re not in school, training or work. It’s especially helpful if you’re:

• unemployed
• at risk of losing your job
• looking for support to return to the workforce. 

How to get started

Request an appointment by:

• calling 0800 222 733
• emailing direct_careers@msd.govt.nz
• asking your case manager or work broker.

We will ask you some questions to check if you’re eligible. After this, we will pass on your details to a career practitioner, who will contact you to schedule an appointment.

You can meet with a career practitioner:

• in person at a Work and Income site
• by phone
• online through Zoom or other platforms.

Find a service centre

How it works

During the appointment, the career practitioner will talk with you about your situation, skills, interests, and goals. Together, you will create a personalised career action plan, which can include advise and practical steps on:

• planning and developing your career
• study and training options
• skills you can use in your career
• job applications
• understanding the labour market
• understanding employment rights and conditions.

You can talk to your career practitioner about how you would like your plan to look like.

Your career practitioner may also book some future appointments to work with you on your progress. When you feel you no longer need their help, you can stop the service any time.