Career Pathways and Gateway
It is never too early (or late) to be thinking about career pathways, so visiting the Careers Centre at the back of the library is a great way to start exploring options. In the Careers Centre students are welcome to come in and browse or sit and do some of their own research about their future pathways - we have a huge range of prospectuses and pamphlets from tertiary education providers. Also, the Careers Centre staff are more than willing to help answer questions or queries. For a more in-depth discussion, students can make an individual appointment to meet with the Career Pathways Coordinator, Mr Bennett.
Our staff in 2021 are:
Mr Mike Bennett - Career Pathways Coordinator – classroom programmes, career seminars and trips, specific information for future employment, apprenticeships, universities, polytechnics and other tertiary providers, scholarships and student allowances, individual appointments for all students, parents and caregivers. bem@cashmere.school.nz
Mr Ken Thomson – Gateway Co-ordinator – work place learning for Years 11, 12 and 13. tok@cashmere.school.nz
Ms Nic Falloon - Careers Assistant – STAR courses, Experience Ara, work experience, CVs and help with application forms. fln@cashmere.school.nz
Ms Rebecca Sweney-McKee – Academic Mentor & Dual Enrolment Co-ordinator for Years 11, 12 & 13. swr@cashmere.school.nz
We have a Careers Website that can be accessed directly via https://cashmere.careerwise.school/. This is a great place to keep up to date with the upcoming career events at school as well as the latest student job vacancies, tertiary provider open days, STAR courses, scholarships and more. There is also a subscription option to receive a weekly email with the latest news from the Careers Centre. There is a ‘careers’ option on the School App; sign up to the alerts from careers to keep informed…and we also have an Instagram page that can be accessed via https://www.instagram.com/cashmerecareers/ where all upcoming events are advertised!
For students thinking university is an option, planning is currently underway for the main universities to visit our school during February and March. Their information sessions are open to all Year 12 and 13 students, helping them narrow down which university will suit them best for their future studies. Keep an eye on the notices, website and Instagram page which will provide further details including dates, times and locations.
In 2021 we are also introducing a new careers/lifeskills platform called My Mahi https://mymahi.co.nz/. Here students can sign in and then plan, research and prepare for their lives at and beyond CHS.
2021 will also see Cashmere’s inaugural ‘Passions, Pathways and Purpose’ evening planned for the 17th of June. This evening will involve inspirational speakers, employment and study displays helping students and their caregivers explore future options together. More information to come!
Finally - can you help? We enjoy finding useful work experiences for our students. If you have a suitable placement for a student, please get in touch with Nic Falloon (fln@cashmere.school.nz) and she will add you to our contact database.
Here’s to an awesome and uninterrupted 2021!
Mike Bennett and the Careers team
Gateway
The Gateway Programme is up and running for another year with several students already out on work placements. Gateway is a programme that is designed to strengthen the pathway for students to progress from school into structured workplace learning. A Gateway placement is for one school term although this can vary depending on what industry sector the student is placed in. The placement is for one day per week. There will be at least 20 industry specific credits available which will count towards NCEA qualifications.
The programme is mainly aimed at Year 12 students, but there are opportunities for both Year 11 and 13 students to be included. Work experience is available in areas such as retail, tourism, aviation, agriculture, horticulture, equine, trades, security, and sport and fitness. The Gateway programme is not limited to just these possibilities, so if you have a particular career in mind you may be able to explore this through Gateway.
If you are interested in a placement, please come and see me. My office is located in the Careers Centre or email me tok@cashmere.school.nz to arrange a meeting.
Ken Thomson
Gateway Coordinator