This year has started with a new group of students covering interest areas in Aviation, Animal Care, Early Childhood Care and Education, Mechanical Engineering, Small Engines Engineering, Retail, Building and Construction, Plumbing, Tourism and Hospitality.

During the first term the Gateway Programme, with an outside provider, ran a Comprehensive Workplace First Aid Course and a Health and Safety in the Workplace Course for the Year 13 students, then another Comprehensive Workplace First Aid was run for the Year 11/12 students. All students were successful.

This year we had a number of students interested in Aviation, the fixed wing students were given flight instruction and flying lessons by the Air NZ Flying Club at Rangiora Airport. One student is pursuing Helicopter instruction and two flying lessons are provided by Christchurch Helicopters. One student is working at Air NZ, for a term to gain an insight within the hangar.

Four students have completed the “Red Shirts in Schools” at The Warehouse. Working one day a week for ten weeks, with an outcome of a Service IQ Customer Service Certificate.

Three students are participating in Early Childhood and all have begun their placements this term working at local Preschool/Early Childcare places.

A number of students have requested placements with builders and we have had a number of employers offering these students placements which is appreciated. Another area of interest has been plastering for two students.

Automotive has captured the interest of a few students some working in diesel, local automotive workshops and related areas.

One student finished his placement and is now furthering his training in plumbing at ARA, on his way to becoming a qualified tradesperson.

The Gateway Programme is designed to strengthen the pathway for students to progress from school to workplace learning. It delivers hands on, practical learning and builds students’ workplace experience.

Gateway is available to support senior students (Years 11 to Year 13). The Gateway Coordinator customises the learning and selects students to complement employers’ businesses.

I would like to thank all employers who have given their time to the Gateway Programme and for giving our students an experience in their workplace.

For further information please contact the Gateway Coordinator, Bev Tomkies 03 311 8888 ext 2601. Students can select Gateway during subject selection and this course is a one year course.