Our students who enrolled in the 2025 Futures Academy Programme are off to a fantastic start, having already commenced their courses and diving into hands-on learning experiences. With a total of 37 students, the programme offers a wide variety of courses, giving rangatahi the opportunity to earn credits while developing valuable skills that are highly regarded by local employers.

A total of 27 students are studying with Toi Ohomai, completing courses in farming and agriculture, hospitality, construction, makeup and skincare, and more. Additionally, we have students pursuing their diving certificates with Dive Zone, learning hair styling techniques and more with Hair to Train, and gaining practical experience in electrical courses with ETCO. We also have one of our students studying a food manufacturing course with Pacific Coast Technical Institute (PCTI).

These students are not only earning credits but also building confidence, gaining hands-on training and acquiring the practical skills that will set them up for success in their future careers. We're incredibly proud of their hard work and look forward to watching them grow throughout the year!

Exciting Retail Career Pathways with SEEDS

We are proud to share that several of our students are currently undertaking the SEEDS (Students Entering Employment Developing Skills) Gateway GRIP programme, gaining valuable hands-on experience in the retail sector. Through this programme, students are learning essential skills such as top-notch customer service, food safety and teamwork, all while working towards a New Zealand Certificate in Retail which is with 23 NCEA L2 credits.

The SEEDS programme is designed to equip students with the practical skills and knowledge they need to thrive in the retail industry, and even advance into apprenticeships in butchery or bakery. Students will gain real-world experience through work placements, earning credits towards their qualifications, including the opportunity to achieve Level 2 or Level 3 credits and a Customer Service Certificate.

Key components of the GRIP Gateway programme include:

Confidence Building: Helping students grow both personally and professionally.
L2 or L3 Credits: Students can earn valuable credits that contribute to their qualifications.
Customer Service Certificate: A nationally recognised certification that enhances employability.
Workplace Experience: Real-world learning with direct mentoring, covering up to 5-7 departments in-store.
Teamwork & Professional Skills: Developing essential skills that match industry standards.

With opportunities to work part-time during their studies and gain confidence in a professional setting, SEEDS is truly a gateway to success. Whether you’re looking to explore an exciting career in retail or set yourself up for future employment, the SEEDS programme offers a fantastic start to your career journey.

Would you like more information or to get involved? Make sure you come and see the Careers team.

School Visit from Your Education High School Exchange

On Wednesday 19 February, we welcomed Lara from Your Education High School Exchange for an insightful school visit. Lara shared exciting details about their wide range of high school exchange programs, including new destinations like Costa Rica and their popular Tokyo cultural camps. Students and staff had the chance to learn about these enriching experiences that foster global connections and personal growth.

For more information about these fantastic exchange opportunities, visit their website at www.youreducation.co.nz. Don’t miss their next online information meeting on Wednesday 19 March at 6pm!

Tertiary Provider First Round School Visits

We are excited to kick off our first round of tertiary provider school visits, starting with Siulolo from the University of Auckland. Siulolo delivered an engaging and informative session to our students, with an impressive turnout of over 50 students in attendance.

The session covered a range of valuable topics, including university campus life, entry criteria for various courses, and what to expect from university life. Our students walked away with a wealth of knowledge to help guide their future academic decisions.

Upcoming school visits and dates are:

Victoria University with Jade, Wednesday 5 March
Otago University with Amber, Thursday 6 March
Massey University with Dane, Friday 7 March
Waikato University with Kennedy, **new date Tuesday 11 March
Canterbury University with Jordan, Wednesday 12 March
Toi Ohomai with Nathan, Tuesday 18 March
AUT with Amadeo, Wednesday 26 March

All sessions will be held in P2, next to the Careers office at 1.30pm lunchtime.

University of Auckland 2025 Info Evening

Join the University of Auckland Tauranga Regional Information Student Evening on Tuesday 22 July! This event is a great opportunity to learn more about study options, scholarships, and life at the University of Auckland. Don’t miss out on this chance to get your questions answered and explore your future. Register now by clicking on the link: https://response.auckland.ac.nz/regional-information-student-evenings-2025

University of Canterbury 2025 Info Evening

2025 Hui Tairanga | UC Info Evening here in Tauranga has been set: Tues 17 June

6pm - 8.15pm, held at Mercury Baypark Stadium. This event is a great opportunity for senior students to gain valuable information about qualifications and application processes before they visit campus for Rā Tōmene | UC Open Day on Friday 5 September 2025.

Click here to register for their 2025 Info Evening, held on the date noted above.

They also have an extensive campus tour programme from April to November so students who want to visit sooner can check out their facilities and student accommodation.