This year has been a busy one, setting up placements, having interviews and starting work in a range of occupations in our local area. 

This year a number of students in the Gateway class were also enrolled in UCOL U-Skills courses so were prevented from going out on work placement as it would have taken them out of classes for another day a week.  Understandably they did not want to get too far behind in their subjects and risk losing the chance of gaining the level two credits needed to achieve their NCEA Level 2 Certificate.  However, we were able to meet our quota of 20 students on work placement and in general the employer comments were very positive and our students gained a lot from working in a real work environment.

We were fortunate to again have a number of new employers make themselves available to take placements:  Take Note Foxton,  The Warehouse Levin, Property Brokers Foxton, Tasman Landcorp Farm Whirokino and Te Ngaio Company Farm Foxton.  This is a real benefit to our students as these areas offer genuine career and employment opportunities in our wider community.

Three students gained employment through their placements and left school during the year to move into full time work, one in Dairy Farming and two into the Building sector.  A third was offered part-time work with the prospect of a full time job in the Retail Industry next year, if he chooses to continue with that retailer.  Several other students gained part-time and holiday work with their employers — another positive spin off from the programme. 

A big vote of thanks to the employers who support us so well and we look forward with confidence to continuing the scheme next year.  

Kevin Brown
Gateway Co-ordinator