Gateway Programme

Gateway - Te Tomokanga

This is a new initiative which enables senior students (Years 11-13) to participate in structured workplace learning. It has been designed to help schools meet the learning needs of all their students.

It assists schools to make learning relevant and to broaden students options by offering them both traditional and workplace learning. It also enables schools to help their students by strengthening the range of career pathways into adult life and independence.

Students pursue individual learning programmes which allow them to gain new skills and knowledge in a workplace in their local community. The learning is hands on and practical. A feature of the initiative is that students learning is integrated with their schools general education provision and is not simply workplace experience.

Students in Gateway have a clear understanding of skills and knowledge to be attained and they are usually assessed in the workplace. Their achievements are credited towards national qualifications including NCEA.

Benefits for Students

Through choosing to be involved in Gateway students can apply their general skills and knowledge in a workplace context.  At the same time they gain valuable insights into working while gaining skills in specific industries.  In many cases the initiative gives students a headstart on their chosen careers.  Gateway may well lead to further training opportunities such as Modern Apprenticeships and industry training.

Benefits for Employers

Being part of  this initiative is a practical way for businesses to contribute to their local communities and to build up the skills in their industry.  Gateway strengthens the links between schools and businesses.  Employers may benefit in the longer term with opportunities to enhance their recruitment and selection.

Learning is Hands On and Practical

An appropriate unit standard is completed and assessed.  Work-based training and assessment in the workplace is in an industry suited to your career path.  This complements the courses students are taking.

When to Apply

At any time during the first two terms of the school year.  There is generally no financial cost to the students as transport, safety equipment and clothing and other needs are covered under the programmes funding arrangement with Skill NZ.  It typically takes the form of 1 day per week for 6-8 weeks, but is flexible in nature to be able to accommodate other forms, eg 1-2 weeks of the holidays, weekend work, after school or evenings.  Courses at teaching facilities may also be applicable for some students.

• You register your interest

• An interview and learning plan with training details and unit standards to be delivered are established.

• Paperwork completed and explained training and assessment begins.

• CV is prepared and pre-employment training is delivered.

• Interview in the workplace.

• Work based training commences

• Evaluation of student with employer suitability and appropriateness of placement is determined.

• Unit Standard is delivered.

• Employer and teacher comments on student progress and performance are evaluated.

• Practical criteria of the unit standard is assessed in the workplace.

• CV is updated

• Student surveys and evaluation completed.

Gateway Evening

We also have a Gateway Evening at the end of the year where we celebrate the great efforts of employers and students with dinner and a gift.  Students and employers share experiences of working in their placements.  These have all been exceptionally positive evenings over the last few years with more and more employers from places as far away as Auckland wanting to be part of this program and support students at Bay of Islands College.

Gateway Team

Mr Work - Gateway Team Coordinator

Mrs Reti - Gateway Administrator - Email

Mr Cochrane - Employer Liason

Mrs W Scott - Driver/Student Support