In it's inaugural year, Kit Lloyd has been awarded the Prime Minister’s Vocational Excellence Award for his outstanding efforts in the Gateway programme, including work experience.

The scholarship, worth $2000, was launched by Jacinda Ardern "to encourage more young people into vocational education and training, and to celebrate the achievement of secondary students enrolled in vocational programmes of learning." (education.govt.nz) Roncalli has long valued the Gateway Programme as an effective and appropriate scheme that runs alongside other pathways, constantly achieving success for our students as they gain meaningful employment opportunities from loyal business in the South Canterbury region. This is mostly due to the incredible work that Marian Merhtens does forming positive relationships with students and employers alike, and her depth and breadth of knowledge of standards offered by other providers.

Kit wisely chose a course of study that kept his options open. He was able to attempt university entrance through Physics, Chemistry, Calculus, Media Studies and Religious Education but also have the opportunity to explore a trade which he felt was great "as you get paid straight away and get lots of transferable skills. I didn't want a student loan." Through Gateway he completed a Comprehensive First Aid Course

Aotea Electric hosted Kit for a full working day a week for 20 weeks on work placement, giving him valuable experience and support in completing relevant work such that he achieved the Skills Organisation Gateway Electrical Programme. This body of work is a significant head start on his apprenticeship in terms of knowledge and skills. Richard Davis of Aotea Electric speaks enthusiastically about Gateway as it "is valuable experience for student and employer." From his point of view as an employer it is "definitely the way to go forward for a student- gaining some experience rather than coming from the cold".