This term has again thrown many challenges, but it has been fantastic to see a number of students finally start work experience on two Service IQ Gateway programmes.

During June, 16 students were at various Countdown stores around Waikato. This included Hamilton, plus Te Awamutu, Morrinsville and Otorohanga for students who are boarders, or who live out of Hamilton.

The Countdown programme requires students to complete 5 days of work experience, plus attend training at school where they will gain 22x Level 2 credits towards NCEA.

Applications are now being accepted for the final placements in 2022. These will be completed during Term 2 weekends or in the October holidays.

Two students have also begun their work experience at Farmers Te Rapa. This is another Service IQ programme where students will gain 23x Level 2 credits, plus 10 days work experience.

During the July holidays, an additional 3 students will complete the Countdown programme, and 1 other will be working at McDonald's as part of a 17 credit, Level 2 experience.

We are looking for employers who are able to provide a supportive workplace for our students to complete work experience. Currently, we have students interested in retail, equine, hospitality and health. If you are able to assist with this, please contact kplaisted@wdsg.school.nz

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There are a number of courses booked for Term 3 offering students both valuable employability skills, and NCEA credits:

Term 3 / October Holidays

• Success in Retail - Level 2 - 10x credits (online TOD)
• Hospitality Skills Essentials - Level 2 - 9x credits (online TOD)
• Store Detective - Level 3 - 7x credits (online TOD)
• Leadership - Level 3 - 12 credits (October Holidays)

These are the final courses booked for 2022. Any students who may be at risk of not having enough credits are encouraged to sign up.

For more information on any of the above, please contact kplaisted@wdsg.school.nz