Gateway

The Gateway Programme is well established at HIBS.  It enables Year 12 and 13 students to study at school and participate in a workplace environment related to their area of career interest. This is most often related to Trades such as Building, Plumbing and Electrical, however there have been a range of careers we have been able to offer students over recent years including Police, Veterinarian Studies, Hospitality, Industrial-abseiling and Mechanical Engineering.  Students gain relevant work experience as well as completing their school studies and completing assessments which complement their practical work place-based learning.

We aim to help students to become work ready before placement by completing their Comprehensive First Aid Certificate,  a work place focused Health and Safety Course, as well as a Site Safe Passport if relevant.

The work placement includes one day of work a week, for a minimum of ten weeks; often our students carry on beyond this. The day of the week is individualised around their other commitments. Many students arrange their own placement through their own contacts, or the Gateway Coordinator facilitates on their behalf. Many of our placements are with HIBS Old Boys.

When students are at school for the remainder of the four-days, they have a timetabled session with the Gateway Coordinator (and English/Social Science Teacher) who oversees their relevant course work. This time is split between their industry based course work sourced through providers such as the BCITO and MITO, and the students catching up on any work missed from their school classes while they are out on placement.  Students are required to gain a minimum of 20 Credits in Gateway throughout the year.  We also look at other short courses such as additional Health and Safety qualifications and drivers license endorsements when appropriate.

Many Gateway students have been offered apprenticeships from the worksite, or carried on studying in their field of interest; regardless, they leave with at least one reference to help with their future employment.

Gateway has limited places available and when oversubscribed, Year 13 students take precedence.

Please note: if you are interested in being involved as an employer, please contact Jessica Anderton: janderton@hibs.school.nz