Gateway offers students workplace experience
Connecting secondary students to their community and preparing them for the workforce is the mission behind a learning programme at Te Awamutu College.
The Gateway programme offers students work experience at a local business or organisation.
Students enter a workplace one day a week for a period of time, gain experience and skills, and achieve credits towards National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA).
This year Te Awamutu College Year 12 student Jordarna Furer undertook a Gateway programme through Fonterra Te Awamutu.
She was placed in the fleet services team, working every Friday from 8.30am to 3.15pm for ten weeks.
Tasks were involved with taking care of and understanding the fleet of 39 heavy dieselpowered vehicles. She was also exposed to business practice and health and safety.
Te Awamutu Fonterra fleet service manager Dwight Pivott said the experience was hugely beneficial to both Jordarna and his team.
“I saw my team grow by sharing their experiences and knowledge with Jordarna.”
He would recommend that other businesses become involved in the programme. He sees the experience as investing in the next generation.
“It’s a really enjoyable thing to be a part of. Potential employers get to see the next generation of talent coming through the ranks.”
Jordarna said the experience was great.
“They were a really friendly team to work with and were really helpful,” she said.
“The things they gave me to do were things I had never done before and more advanced than I would have thought. I learnt such a lot.
“Although I’m not going to immediately look for work in this field it gave me a bigger perspective of how a workshop works and the effort that goes into keeping a fleet of truck on the road.
“I also learnt a lot about what it’s like to be in a working environment, time management, being a good employee, getting along with other staff.”
Jordarna said everyone at Fonterra was just so great to work with and she would definitely recommend it to other students.
“The course work wasn’t too bad. I learnt some good time management skills as I had to make sure I did the Gateway work and kept up with my other study as well.”
For six months of the year Jordarna races ministocks every weekend.
“It takes up most of my time,” she said. “It’s a great sport. Everyone in the industry is like a big family and helps each other out. It’s competitive but the overall aim is to have fun.
“My whole family is involved. Mum, dad, my sister and two brothers are all part of my ‘pit crew’ so if something breaks or needs fixing I have to help out as much as I can — mechanically, changing tyres, even panel beating.
“My goal is to get out there and have fun.”
Jordarna’s highest achievement to date was ranking sixth at a women’s U17 event in Wellington.
Te Awamutu College Gateway co-ordinator Ros Elliott says students can be placed in any industry — from manufacturing and technology to creative and social.
“Whether it is a butchery, hairdresser, school or non-profit organisation, as long as the workplace and student are on-board, a programme can be designed.”
Ros says the programme is a win-win.
“Students can gain skills specific for an industry they are considering pursuing, as well as the employability skills required for reallife work. It’s a wonderful transition from school to the workforce.”
It’s also a chance for students to network, meet inspiring adults and gain potential references. The programme is also a good option for students considering tertiary qualifications.
“It increases their knowledge of an industry or sector, allowing them to make informed decisions about future career choices, or what they might decide to study.”
Gateway can also bring considerable benefits to businesses, Ros says.
“Having a student spend time in their workplace will help a business strengthen their links with the local community and gain a fresh perspective from a creative young person.”