There are so many different choices available for students wanting to get an insight into possible jobs for the future, writes Bailey Henry, of Logan Park High School.
This article provides a look into the mysterious world of Gateway, another fantastic subject offered to high school students in New Zealand.
What is Gateway? Gateway is a programme that was designed in 2001 which enables senior students (Year 11, 12 and 13) to participate in a structured workplace learning across a range of industries and businesses around New Zealand.
Gateway has been designed to incorporate work place learning with school based studies.
The main aim originally was to strengthen the linkages between schools and businesses.
Gateway is set up to have a range of career pathways into adult life.
I can say that it helps students gain knowledge and credits towards NCEA through their chosen Gateway placement.
According to Ex Labour Minister of Education Steve Maharey, students who have done Gateway as a school subject for a year have shown very successful outcomes and they are highly valued by employers, the students themselves and the school.
The current Government believes that expanding the learning pathways available to young people is critical if we are to insure that we properly prepare all New Zealanders for an increasingly knowledge based society and workforce.
Gateway was introduced at Logan Park High School in 2007.
Gateway is a core subject where you can choose one day a week where you go to your placement in the work industry and you complete the tasks given by your boss/adviser.
The Gateway placement lasts for about twenty weeks, and during this time you work on assessments offering credits for your chosen placement and year level.
Gateway is a career minded subject and is funded by the Tertiary Education Commission which is responsible for leading the government's relationship with the Tertiary Education sector.
Gateway is limited to only fifteen students, in most schools, and you have an interview which decides if you are a suitable student who would do really well in this subject. Overall I recommend Gateway because it offers a range of industry work placements and you are then able to see if this is the job that you want to do in the future.
Gateway placements can also lead to further work opportunities.
Some students at Logan Park have been offered apprenticeships.
According to Kristine Shields, Gateways co-ordinator at Logan Park High School, the most successful Gateway students will be, " Mature, self assured and enthusiastic and have a real idea about what they want to do." As a Gateway student myself for the past two years I have learnt valuable things in the Early Childhood industry that I can take with me when I go to university.
I would recommend Gateway to students who want a chance to see if the job they have in mind is the one for them.
- Bailey Henry
Year 13 Logan Park High School
