3 minute read
A gateway to the construction industry
WHEN TERRY EVANS formed his own building company, he knew he would employ a student on work experience as part of his regular business practice.
“I did it myself at school, and then when I was working for a company we’d had them too. When I formed my own building business in Havelock, it was natural to continue the practice.”
Evans is involved with Gateway, a Tertiary Education Commissionfunded programme that gives students a realistic view of working life beyond school walls.
One day a week students work with a company, learning the basics of the trade and giving them an opportunity to see if it is a good fit for their interests and talents. For some it’s the start of a new career, and for other’s it’s a chance to further define what they do want to do.
“One of the girls I had a few years back realised building wasn’t for her, but after working with me she got a job as a door maker,” says Evans.
“It was still beneficial as it helped her define exactly what sort of job she would enjoy. The skills she gained from working with me got her that job.”
The programme focuses on the construction industry, including placements in the building, tiling, carpentry, concreting and plastering industries, providing students with a wide variety of learning opportunities.
For students planning on moving to a construction related qualification or joining up for an apprenticeship, they get enough of a taste to work out if it is a job they would enjoy.
If they prove themselves to be reliable and focused, they also gain a reputable referee to increase their chances of future employment.
Employers signed up to the scheme also benefit, as they gain free extra part time help (barring a few occasional lunch treats during smoko) and, as they pass on the skills they have, they often have a chance to refresh their own knowledge.
Giving something back is a common driver and many employers enjoy watching their students develop over the three terms they work with them.
It can also be a great way to test out potential employees. Evans says he had thought of taking on the last student placement he had, William Andrew (17) of Havelock North High School, fulltime. “He was excellent. In the end he got a job with a company that I knew would be good for him. The work he did with me got him the job so it was well worth it all round.”
Andrew himself highly recommends the programme, and credits it with helping him complete half the unit standards he’ll need to complete his apprenticeship.
“It gets you on site doing real work, then off site completing the theory. That’s one area many of us worry we won’t be able to complete. Having support to work through that side gives us a great head start,” he says.
“I believe all the people who were part of the Gateway programme at my school are now in apprenticeships. That’s pretty good results.”
Andrew also believes that the programme “helped me feel secure that I was making the right career decision before committing to an apprenticeship.”
The service is free for employers and students, and the school receives funding to run the programme out of their school.
In 2009 over 150 schools participated, and there were 362 students signed up for Gateway Training Agreements.
Schools can receive assistance in setting up the programme, and for the costs in finding good placements for their students. To access the funding, schools need to submit a plan of how they will achieve this, and the delivery is then monitored by the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC).
Providing a pathway to enable students to move from school to further education or employment, ensures the scheme continues to grow in popularity. By Rachel Goodchild.
