Our Gateway Programme is all about giving students the opportunity to step beyond the classroom and experience what the world of work is really like – and we simply couldn’t do it without the incredible support of our local businesses.
We are extremely grateful to the many employers who open their doors to our students, giving their time, knowledge and encouragement to provide meaningful, real-world work experience. The mentoring and guidance our students receive is invaluable, helping them build confidence, develop practical skills and discover the qualities employers value in the workplace.
It has been fantastic to see our Gateway students grow through these experiences. They are learning about different industries, developing greater independence and responsibility, and beginning to see where their own strengths and interests could take them in the future.
Over the coming weeks, we’ll be introducing you to some of our amazing Gateway students and the local businesses supporting them.
Student Spotlight: Ruby Sandford
Year 11 | Gateway Placement: Harcourts Gold Star Waihī
Year 11 student Ruby Sandford has been getting a behind-the-scenes look at the many different sides of the real estate industry through her Gateway placement with Harcourts Gold Star Waihī.
Ruby’s work experience days have given her exposure to much more than property sales. She has attended sales meetings, joined Alison Nicholson for property management inspections and viewings, spent time in the Property Management Office, and worked alongside Office Administrator Jess Daniels, learning more about administration and social media.
Branch Manager Greg Shepperd says Ruby has been a welcome addition to the team.
“Ruby is a delight to have in the business. She’s quiet but listens and asks a few questions. Getting an all-round feel for the whole business will give her an idea what direction she wants to go.”
For Ruby, the placement is a fantastic opportunity to experience the different career pathways available within the industry while developing her confidence and workplace skills.
A huge thank you to Greg and the entire team at Harcourts Gold Star Waihī for investing their time in Ruby and giving her such a varied and valuable experience.
It is partnerships like these that make our Gateway Programme possible – our local businesses helping our rangatahi take their first steps into the world of work.
Student Spotlight: Eli Townsend
Year 11 | Gateway Placement: The Falls Retreat, Waikino
Year 11 student Eli Townsend has been gaining valuable hands-on experience in the hospitality industry through his Gateway placement at The Falls Retreat in Waikino.
Eli has made a great impression on owner Brad King and the team, showing that a positive attitude and willingness to learn can go a long way in the workplace.
Brad describes Eli as a positive young man who follows directions well, works effectively as part of the team and is keen to continue developing his skills.
“Eli is very keen to upskill his abilities, which is a great attitude, and I’ve been impressed with his all-round character and approach to working here at Falls Retreat.”
Even better, Eli’s efforts could lead to further opportunities. Brad’s goal is to train him across specific areas of the business with the possibility of employing him full-time over the summer period.
What a fantastic example of where Gateway work experience can lead!
A huge thank you to Brad and the team at The Falls Retreat for investing their time and knowledge in Eli and giving him the opportunity to develop his skills in a real working environment.
It is partnerships like these that make our Gateway Programme possible – our local businesses helping our rangatahi take their first steps into the world of work.
Student Spotlight: Kingston Courtney
Year 12 | Gateway Placement: Alton Drilling, Waihī
Year 12 student Kingston Courtney has been getting a real taste of working life through his Gateway placement with Alton Drilling – and he has made an excellent impression on the team.
Senior Training Manager Ralph Keenan says Kingston consistently arrives early, brings a positive attitude and shows respect for the workplace and those around him.
During his placement, Kingston has been developing new drilling skills as well as his communication, teamwork, thinking and literacy skills. Ralph has also encouraged Kingston to keep a journal documenting his work experience activities, with plans to introduce practical maths involving calculations for hole volumes and measurements.
Kingston has embraced the experience, even completing a full 12-hour shift at a rig site alongside the Driller and Drill Assistant.
“I am very pleased with Kingston’s overall performance to date,” Ralph says.
Gateway isn’t only about learning practical skills – it’s about experiencing the expectations, routines and responsibilities of a real workplace. Kingston is certainly making the most of that opportunity.
A huge thank you to Ralph and the team at Alton Drilling for the time, support and hands-on training they are providing Kingston.
It is partnerships like these that make our Gateway Programme possible – our local businesses helping our rangatahi take their first steps into the world of work.
Student Spotlight: Whetu King
Year 12 | Gateway Placement: NES Hire, Waihī
Year 12 student Whetu King has been getting stuck into his Gateway placement at NES Hire in Waihī – and his attitude towards the experience has certainly been noticed.
Waihī Branch Manager Jon-Brian (JB) Parker says Whetu has impressed the team with his positive approach and willingness to be part of the workplace.
Whetu arrives early so he can attend the team’s toolbox meeting before his shift begins and has made an effort to become part of the team, joining staff during breaks and getting to know the people he is working alongside.
He has also been working with the engineering team, who have given him a range of smaller jobs to complete. The hands-on nature of the placement has been a great fit, giving Whetu the opportunity to use tools, learn new skills and experience an engineering workplace firsthand.
“The engineering guys are very happy with him… Whetu is willing to learn, which is good to see,” JB says.
Even more excitingly, Whetu’s Gateway placement is leading to employment! He will be starting a full-time contract with NES Hire at the beginning of January, with plans to begin a General Engineering Apprenticeship midway through the year.
This is a fantastic outcome for Whetu and a great example of how Gateway can open doors to real career opportunities.
A huge thank you to JB and the team at NES Hire Waihī for welcoming Whetu into the workplace, recognising his potential and investing their time in helping him develop his skills and future career.
It is partnerships like these that make our Gateway Programme possible – our local businesses helping our rangatahi take their first steps into the world of work.
Student Spotlight: Pepper Smith
Year 11 | Gateway Placement: Eclectic Studio, Waihī
Year 11 student Pepper Smith has thrown herself into every aspect of her Gateway placement at Eclectic Studio – from working with customers and helping behind the scenes to cleaning buckets and even putting her practical skills to work fixing a broken door!
Owner Rebecca Ryan says Pepper brings enthusiasm, creativity and a willingness to get involved in whatever needs doing.
“She has really thrown herself into the experience and brings her natural enthusiasm and creative flair to everything she does.”
An important part of Pepper’s placement has also been learning how to work with customers. Rebecca says Pepper has shown the ability to interact with different clients in a friendly and polite manner while recognising the sensitivity sometimes required when dealing with individuals.
Pepper has become a genuine part of the team, and her contribution has made such a positive impression that Rebecca would be keen for her placement to continue.
“It has been a pleasure to have Pepper with us. She is friendly and polite and a good team player.”
There may even be opportunities for Pepper to take on additional work over the summer – another fantastic example of how Gateway can help create connections between school, local employers and future employment.
A huge thank you to Rebecca and the team at Eclectic Studio for welcoming Pepper, encouraging her creativity and giving her the opportunity to experience so many different aspects of running a business.
It is partnerships like these that make our Gateway Programme possible – our local businesses helping our rangatahi take their first steps into the world of work. ❤️
Student Spotlight: Lockie Patea
Year 11 | Gateway Placement: Hickson’s Motors, Waihī
Sometimes it’s the little things that tell an employer the most about a young person.
Year 11 student Lockie Patea has been completing his Gateway placement at Hickson’s Motors, where owners Brydon and Tammy Hickson have been impressed by his attitude, reliability and willingness to learn.
Lockie has been working alongside the workshop’s apprentice, gaining practical experience while learning what is expected in a busy automotive workplace.
“We have been really pleased with Lockie’s attitude, reliability and willingness to learn. He is always on time, polite and helpful,” Tammy says.
But one particular moment stood out.
At the end of a shift, Brydon was busy with a client. Rather than simply heading home, Lockie noticed what needed doing, picked up a broom and cleaned the workshop floor, leaving it tidy and ready for the following day.
For Brydon and Tammy, that simple act spoke volumes about Lockie’s initiative and character.
It’s a great example of what our students can gain – and demonstrate – when they are given the opportunity to experience a real workplace.
A huge thank you to Brydon, Tammy and the team at Hickson’s Motors for giving Lockie this opportunity and for investing their time in helping him develop his skills and confidence.
It is partnerships like these that make our Gateway Programme possible – our local businesses helping our rangatahi take their first steps into the world of work.
