Gateway Programme

Gateway (funded by the Tertiary Education Commission) is designed to support students to transition into the workforce by offering workplace learning while they still attend secondary school.

The Gateway Programme at St John’s College is a unique blend of in-class learning, workplace or on-job experience and optional industry-related unit standards.

In-class learning

This engaging class is designed for students to gain work-ready skills through 4 unit standards.

These standards provide an opportunity to consider and explore  future career pathway; to grow  capacity for practical skills like creating a CV, applying for a job and interviewing with confidence; and how best to manage employment relationships and effective communication with people from different cultures.

The classroom learning also includes a 2-day First Aid and Health and Safety course facilitated by outside providers.

Additionally, students are encouraged to broaden their knowledge of the world of work through interaction with outside guests from a variety of industries, many of whom are Old Boys of the College.

Workplace or on-job experience

Work placements or on-job experience provides students an opportunity to try their hand at a job in an industry of interest. They will attend placement during Terms 2 and 3 for one day a week.

For a successful placement they must have a genuine interest in and be committed to gaining a real world of work experience. They need to be self-motivated and well-organised, have a positive attitude and be capable of maintaining your school subject requirements while they are away from school on work placement.

Work placement provides them an opportunity to gain transferable soft skills useful for any future occupation. Networking, potential employment or apprenticeship, or job referee opportunities are also possible. Students benefit most when they put in a good day’s mahi!

Work placement industries have included

Automotive   l   Engineering   l   Hospitality   l   Building and Construction

Hairdressing   l   Plumbing   l   Electrical   l   Farming and Agriculture

Transport   l   Retail   l   Education   l   Property Management   l   Real Estate

Industry-related unit standards

Industry-related unit standards are offered to further support students vocational pathway options. These unit standards are online, self-paced modules and complement and enhance the learning and practical experience they gain on work placement.

Students complete these industry-related unit standards during class time in Terms 2 and 3. These packages are fully funded and, should they wish to opt in, the course must be fully completed before the end of Term 3.

Our most popular industry providers are

MITO (Automotive)   l   BCITO (Building)   l   Primary ITO (Farming)   l   Earn Learn (Electrical and Plumbing)

Gateway provides an opportunity to strengthen networks in our local community and build skills targeted to enhance your employment opportunities.

Please contact Whaea Bron on bgardner@stjohns.school or call 027 6775241 for further information.