Gateway student Leo Page is this years recipient of the Prime Ministers Scholarship. The award rewards the top Year 12 or 13 secondary student at each high school enrolled in a vocational programme of learning with a $2,000 monetary prize. Congratulations Leo and all the best for your future career in the construction industry.

Leo’s Gateway Profile

Before starting Gateway I thought it was just a class you take when you want to leave school early. I have learnt that it’s a lot more than that, it has opened a lot of opportunities for me, I have gained experience in a workplace, tried out a career, started a qualification, and passed NCEA Level 2 at school at the same time.

When I started Gateway I researched careers and had the opportunity to choose three taster days to help me confirm my career direction. I had work experience for one day each in building, plumbing and engineering. I chose building for my placement and started doing work experience with a construction company, I worked with them every Wednesday from 8am-5pm throughout the year.

I learnt a lot of new skills including how to do concreting, prepping for concreting, framing and insulation. I also learnt how to use hand tools and power tools with care and how to maintain them.

I completed the BCITO - Te Pūkenga Gateway Programme with assessments on hand tools, power tools, communication, knowledge of construction industries and knowledge of timber & other construction materials. The BCITO assessor visited me at school and in the workplace to check my work and that I understood everything, if I didn’t, they would teach me about it and help me to understand it.

Through Gateway I have completed a Workplace Health and Safety course and a First Aid course, I have a CV and have had a mock job interview. I have learnt so much during my work placement, I have made connections with employers and with BCITO - Te Pūkenga industry people, I have confirmed my career direction and started working in the construction industry with confidence that this is the career I want to continue with.

I really appreciate receiving the Prime Ministers award. I am keen to get started on my apprenticeship and will use my scholarship money to start buying the tools I will need.

I highly recommend the Gateway Programme, it is a great way to see what the real world of work is like, it can get you out of your comfort zone and give you a chance to try out a career before making decisions about what you want to do when you leave school.