NCEA Level 3 Gateway 301

Gateway 301 - 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 select what industry or pathway 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. 

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 301 or ECE 301 and Gateway 301 must see the HOD Careers and Transitions for an exemption.

Application Process

Students opting for Gateway must complete an application form and 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