Introductory Certificate in Retail and Distribution
Gateway is
available to senior secondary students in all decile 1-6
schools. Gateway offers students an opportunity to experience
workplaces first hand while engaging in structured workplace
learning. Students can work towards The Introductory
Certificates in Retail or Distribution. The Introductory
Certificate can act as a good stepping stone towards either a
National Certificate or a Modern Apprenticeship.
• When
talking to Retail ITO, please have the name of your Principals
Nominee
• For all issues relating to accreditation, please
talk to your NZQA advisor
Click
below to download more information:
The Introductory Certificate to Retail
The Introductory Certificate to Distribution
Secondary School Assessment Options
For more information and a list of Gateway Schools visit the
Tertiary Education Commission Gateway webpage.
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GATEWAY – Introducing School Students to Work and Training
‘Skill
shortages’ is a term we have heard a lot over the last few
years. Gateway is an opportunity for industries and workplaces
to do something about the skill shortage by encouraging young
people into your workplace. It is a programme where students
undertake work and training in a real workplace as part of their
final school years.
In the Gateway programme students are
exposed to a career with which they have an interest. They have
an opportunity to learn about that industry as a possible
career. The learning they do while in a workplace is relevant,
and the credits they gain can contribute to both their NCEA
qualification and later to an industry qualification.
From an employer’s perspective, Gateway offers many benefits:
* Exposure to possible new employees.
* Extra help in busy
periods.
* Opportunity for current employees to gain
experience training others.
* Providing a community service
and developing good relations with local schools.
* Bringing
in new ideas from interested young people to the organizations.
Gateway is a programme initiated and funded by the Tertiary
Education Commission (TEC) which provides for a smooth
transition from secondary school education to industry training.
In a typical example a student may do one or two days in the
workplace per week with the other 3-4 days being involved in
normal school studies. Gateway placements may run for anything
from one term to the full year. The employer is expected to
train the Gateway student, with assessment against unit
standards in the skills learned being the objective. Students
may also undertake theory units from and accredited training
provider – either the school, polytechnic or a private training
establishment.
Gateway is available to all decile 1 to 6
schools. In 2006 a total of 206 schools are running a Gateway
programme. In 2005, 5800 students were placed within 50
different industries.
ROLES IN GATEWAY
Schools are
funded to manage and support the students involved which
includes paying for training resources and materials, work
clothing, transport, a programme co-ordinator etc. Gateway
students remain enrolled with the school, they do not become
employees of the host organisation.
The employer’s main
role is to provide a safe workplace and to provide training and
assessment of the student’s competence. In the turf industry
this means that any workplace taking on a Gateway student must
have a registered workplace assessor available.
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What do you want from a Career?
Money?
Variety?
Challenge?
A Career for Life?
If so, an apprenticeship in plumbing, gasfitting,
drainlaying or roofing may be for you.
Are
you:
• a hands on sort of person who likes to solve
practical problems
• interested in plumbing, gasfitting,
drainlaying or roofing
• ready to learn new skills and study
for a nationally recognised qualification
• keen to earn
while you learn
• someone who likes variety in his or her
work
• able to get on with people
• interested in becoming
a tradesperson who can earn a good income
• interested in
running your own business in the future.
Here are just
some of the comments from people working in an apprenticeship:
“It’s
great work as I get to meet a range of people and discuss what
they need. I try to visualise the finished job to get the best
possible finish so the customer is happy. Preparation is the key
and remembering about cause and effect.“ - Tim.
“It
was the best decision I ever made. I have made good friends and
I feel I am going somewhere with my life.“ - Greg.
“I
love being outdoors all day and going to different jobs. I
wanted a qualification at the end of an apprenticeship.” -
Hayden.
“I love the variety of work and the money.” -
Brad.
“I had always thought about a trade and I liked the
work.” - John.
“The industry is getting a lot
stronger. New technology is coming in pipes and other things.
There is still a lot of change to come." - Cole.
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The
work in these areas is plentiful. Many homes nationwide and in
the western world need plumbers, gasfitters, drainlayers and
roofers. The work ranges from local council work to commercial
and residential properties. These jobs will challenge you and
test your skills. You will gain experience by working with
different trades people. Every day is different. You could be
working one day on a large industrial site and the next day in
someone’s home.
What can you do to find out about an
apprenticeship?
Visit one or two plumbing, gasfitting,
drainlaying or roofing companies and talk with them about the
industry and the apprenticeship system. Some companies may offer
you work experience so you can find out if work in the industry
is for you. This could lead to an apprenticeship with the
company.
Find out if your local
polytechnic offers pre apprenticeship courses in plumbing and
gasfitting.
Talk with the Modern Apprenticeship Co-ordinator
in your area. The ITO can give you their contact details. This
applies only to plumbing & gasfitting.
Talk with
Plumbing, Gasfitting and Drainlaying ITO. The ITO welcomes
enquiries from anyone wanting to enter the industry.
Plumbing, Gasfitting and Drainlaying
Industry Training Organisation Limited, looking after roofing,
drainlaying, gasfitting and plumbing.
Contact us:
PO Box 9951,
Wellington
Level 8, 142 Lambton Quay, Wellington, 6011
freephone - 0800 277 736 - website
www.ito.co.nz - email
info@ito.co.nz
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