GATEWAY
Gateway is a programme which opens pathways for students from school to the world of work. This is an opportunity for students to blend school study with workplace learning and experience, whilst trying out potential career paths.
Gateway aims to deliver hands-on practical learning situations that lead to national qualifications whilst building work place experience and assisting students to move smoothly from school to the workplace.
Students will be assessed in the workplace on unit and achievement standards which contribute to the NCEA or even a specific industry National Certificate or qualification. Students also need to complete their normal school subjects.
Work placement is for a minimum of 10 full days ie, 1 day per week for 10 weeks.
Students best suited for Gateway are those who are:
- motivated to learn in the workplace
- able to manage individualized learning and assessment
- strongly interested in a particular industry or career direction
- reliable, with a good attendance record
- able to achieve a minimum of 10 credits from their work place assessments
- work ready.
THE GATEWAY SELECTION PROCESS
Gateway is funded by the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) which sets our number of Gateway students. Currently we are allowed 30 students, who are covered for all work-related costs such as clothing, gear and transport.
- Students apply before November and the Gateway Coordinator and Deans interview all students to check their motivation to succeed in Gateway.
- Students are given all the information they need to make an informed choice.
- Attendance and punctuality records are checked.
- Final selections are made in February when students return from the holidays.
- Students are then interviewed again and work placements are organized.
Main points
- Work placement is matched to the vocational and learning goals of the student.
- Workplace learning is incorporated into the student’s school study programme.
- Assessed standards which are achieved are included in their NZQA entries.