Tawa College Tawa College

NCEA Level 2 Gateway 201

GAT201
Course Description

Teacher in Charge: Mrs K. Wiltshire.

Recommended Prior Learning

Students need to demonstrate an ability to work independently with support. They must complete an application form and will be interviewed on an individual basis to assess their suitability to complete their programme of interest.


Gateway 201 - Course Description and Application Process 

Gateway is set up to provide senior students with opportunities to access structured workplace learning. All students attend a work placement in their area of interest one day a week, for 10 weeks (usually), in Term 1, 2 or 3. 

Students choose what industry or job they would like to experience and learn about.

Placements could include but are not limited to:

  • Electrician, 
  • Automotive, 
  • Hairdressing, 
  • Hospitality, 
  • Chef, 
  • Aged Care, 
  • Painting and Decorating, 
  • Dental Chair Assistant, 
  • Horticulture, 
  • Scaffolding, 
  • Civil Infrastructure, 
  • Or another area of specific interest. 
  • Note; Retail is offered through Pathways 201.

Through this experience students are able to “test drive” a career of their choice while also gaining valuable work experience and learning.

Students wanting to take Pathways 201 and Gateway 201 must see the HOD Careers and Transitions for exemption.

Application Process

Students opting for Gateway must complete an application form and attend an interview with the Head of Department and Gateway Administrator as part of the option selection process.  This is to ensure that their individual needs can be met by the programme. 

Application forms will be emailed to students when they select Gateway as an option. They need to be completed and submitted ASAP (by the closing date of Options Selection) to secure an interview. 

Students/whanau are welcome to contact Mrs Wiltshire ([email protected]) or Ms Coward, ([email protected]) or see us in T block if they have any questions.

Further information

There are no prerequisites, however, students need to demonstrate that they are committed, reliable and trustworthy, and have an area of interest that they would like to explore through the programme.

Work placements are organised by the Gateway Administrator in consultation with the student and classroom teacher. Gateway is timetabled four times a week as per other senior subjects. While on placement other subjects continue as normal and students are expected to catch up with any missed work. Gateway class time may be used to do this.

When the work placement has been arranged each student will be given an individual learning programme. When possible students will complete industry based standards, up to 20 credits, alongside their placement which match their career choice and are aligned to the relevant vocational pathway. Students will need to be committed to completing these units prior to them being purchased by the school. Alternatively students will continue with a more generic work preparation/career exploration course.  

Gateway is Government funded by the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC). Students are not expected to pay any costs associated with Gateway. Students may not be paid while on their work placement.

Women in Trades Video, including Gateway



Course Overview

Term 1
Students complete the work placement prerequisites including Health and Safety, CV, Interview Skills and work preparation.
Students doing work experience on a construction will also complete a Site Safe Certificate.

Term 2
Students continue with the Work Ready Level 2 Programme or shift to an industry based programme of learning. This depends on their work experience placement.

Term 3
Industry specific individual learning plans.

Term 4
Industry specific individual learning plans completed

Learning Areas:

Transition and Careers


Pathway

NCEA Level 3 Gateway 301

This course focuses on employability skills and work experience. It can lead to apprenticeship, vocational training or further education.

Career Pathways

Locksmith, Nanny/Child Carer, Boat Builder, Building Contractor, Recycler/Dismantler, Building and Construction Labourer, Buyer, Carpenter, Retail Sales Assistant, Chef, Coachbuilder/Trimmer, Interior Designer, Stonemason, Sales Representative, Personal Trainer/Exercise Professional, Plumber, Gasfitter and Drainlayer, Electrician, Retail Manager, Collision Repair Technician, Automotive Electrician, Glazier, Automotive Technician, Automotive Refinisher, Baker, Hairdresser/Barber