The Gateway programme is administered and financed by the Tertiary Education Commission and was begun as a pilot programme in schools in 2001. It offers structured workplace learning opportunities to senior students and at Hutt Valley High School is open to all Year 12 and 13 students. The Gateway programme enables students to complete a work placement in their chosen field and have their learning in the workplace assessed against Unit and/or Achievement Standards on the National Qualifications Framework. The workplace learning is a formalised learning arrangement set in an actual workplace, with clear understanding about the knowledge and skills to be attained and the assessment of unit standards.

Students who are accepted into the Gateway programme continue to study conventional school subjects, sitting Achievement Standards or Unit Standards towards their National Certificate in Education (NCEA). In addition a work placement with suitable unit or achievement standards relating to their intended career pathway is organised. While they are at work students will be visited by either the Gateway Co-ordinator or the Gateway Job broker to monitor their progress. Prior to the student starting their work placement an individual plan will be drawn up with consultation between the student, the employer and the school specifying the expectations in terms of behaviour, attendance and outcomes. Gateway staff will also liaise with Industry Training Organisations (ITOs) to establish an appropriate “on the job” training programme and assessment for the student right “on the job” training programme and assessment for the student.

Funding is available to employ assessors where necessary and also to assist students with specialist clothing if required for their placement. Any student who is interested in being considered for Gateway should collect a form and brochure from either the Mrs Larking in C9 or the Gateway office in C-block.