Ngā akoranga mō te hapori
Community study
Our Ara Connect community hubs bring a range of FREE and low-cost computing courses to your community.
At Ara Connect hubs across Christchurch and South Canterbury, you can learn the basics of computers, digital devices and common programmes, or gain a formal computing qualification for employment or further study in IT.
Course and class times are flexible, allowing you to fit study around work, family and other commitments. You’ll study at your own pace, in Ara Connect’s friendly environment with the support of experienced tutors.
Locations and opening hours
Opening hours and session times vary depending on location, see timetables below:
How to apply
Choose the course or programme you’d like to do from the selection below, then call or email us at 0800 24 24 76 or araconnect@ara.ac.nz to enrol and book your first class.
Terms and conditions
- To enrol in an Ara Connect course, you must be 16 years or older and a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident
- Opening hours and class times are subject to change (you’ll be notified of any changes in advance, during class)
- Class numbers are limited so enrolments will be on a first come, first served basis
Courses available at Ara Connect
New Zealand Certificate in Computing (Advanced User)
Enhance your employment opportunities with advanced computing skills.
New Zealand Certificate in Computing (Intermediate User)
Gain computing skills for a wide range of employment opportunities.
Access for Beginners
Develop your skills using Microsoft Access 2019/Office 365.
Access Enhanced
Enhance your knowledge and build your skills in Microsoft Access 2019/Office 365.
Becoming a Digital Citizen
Gain confidence in the digital world with this 40-hour course.
Digital Basics
If you’re new to computers, this 25-hour course is the perfect way to learn the basics and become a confident computer user.
Excel for Beginners
Develop your skills using the spreadsheet application package Microsoft Excel 2019/Office 365.
Excel Enhanced
Enhance your knowledge and build your skills in Microsoft Excel 2019/Office 365.
Google Apps - Tips and Tricks
Introducing our New Google Apps Tips and Tricks course
Google for the Office
Create and edit documents, spreadsheets, forms and slides using Google products.
Google Sites
Learn how to create your own website in just a few clicks.
Keyboarding for Beginners
Learn how to use the keyboard correctly and develop your touch-typing technique. Alpha-numeric, symbols, and special characters.
Publisher for Beginners
Develop your skills using Microsoft Publisher 2019/Office 365 to produce published documents such as flyers, leaflets, newsletters, posters, menus and advertisements for business and home use.
Word for Beginners
Develop your skills using the word processing application package Microsoft Word 2019/Office 365. Enter, edit and format text to produce professional-looking Word documents; preview and print word processing files.
Word Enhanced
Enhance your knowledge and build your skills in Microsoft Word 2019/Office 365.