Gateway programme connects students with local businesses

Fraser High School Hamilton Gateway programme connects its students with local businesses.

Fraser High School delivers one of New Zealand’s largest Gateway programmes, which allows students to spend time in the workplace, like a real employee, as well as attending school and working towards NCEA.

“The Gateway programme enables schools to help students consider pathways from school to further education, training or employment by undertaking structured workplace learning while continuing to study at school,” says Melanie Tooke, Director of Frasernet and the Gateway programme at Fraser High School.

“We believe it is the right of every student to have the opportunity to prepare for the real world while still at school. We would like to foster enthusiasm for learning and potential careers by providing stimulating and challenging experiences,” says Melanie Tooke.

Gateway is not just a traditional transition programme; it engages students and pathways them to relevant career options while enhancing and extending the existing school curriculum.

The Fraser High School Careers and Gateway Team comprises of 10 staff, who all bring with them their own set of skills and unique talents. “We have worked in many different jobs and industries both as employees and employers. This enables us to share real life experiences and stories with students,” says Melanie Tooke, Director of Frasernet.

At Fraser High School the Careers Advisor enhances the team by providing mentoring and advise to students regarding subject choices, career pathways, tertiary options and applications, planning and scholarship opportunities.

“We support every student individually whether it be providing a rewarding and valuable work experience opportunity, a university visit, halls of residence application, scholarship advice or an opportunity to attend a course at a a tertiary provider such as Wintec, Vision College andto Te Wānanga o AotearoaTe Wananga o Aeotearoa,” says Melanie Tooke.

Fraser High School collaborates and networks with stakeholders including industry, employers and tertiary providers. “Linking with industry is important to create opportunities, possibilities and pathways for our students but also allowing us to stay abreast of the career and employment landscape,” says Melanie Tooke.

ENDS

© Scoop Media