Gateway Programme
Interested in exploring a trade while you're still at school?
gateway for students

Interested in exploring a trade while you’re still at school?

Gateway gives you the opportunity to experience real work while you’re still at school. You’ll spend time on-site with an employer, gain hands-on experience, and start building practical skills alongside your studies, with EarnLearn supporting your learning, assessments, and wellbeing.

Gateway helps you understand what different trades are really like before you leave school and supports a smoother transition into employment, training, or an apprenticeship.

Why choose Gateway?

  • Earn credits while you learn: Complete unit standards that contribute to your NCEA, with no student loan.
  • Real workplace experience: Gain practical, hands-on exposure on real worksites with an employer.
  • Explore your options: Try out a trade before committing, helping you make informed decisions about your future.
Enquire now →
How it works →

programme snapshot

Typical structure
Part-time alongside school

What you work towards
NCEA credits + trade experience

YOU’LL EXPERIENCE:
Hands-on exposure to real work environments, including basic tasks, safe work practices, and working alongside experienced tradespeople. You’ll learn what employers expect, how worksites operate, and how classroom learning connects to real-world work. No prior experience is required. Gateway is about learning, observing, and building confidence.

Gateway can lead into further training, employment, or an apprenticeship after you leave school.

Gateway

Who is Gateway suited to?

Gateway is designed for students who want to explore the world of work while still at school. It is for those who are curious about the trades, enjoy hands on learning, and want real insight into what working life is actually like before making decisions about their future.

Gateway gives you the chance to step onto a real worksite, learn from experienced tradespeople, and build confidence in a supported environment while continuing your studies at school.

Eligibility criteria

To take part in Gateway, students must:

Be a domestic student under the Education and Training Act 2020

Be enrolled at a State, State integrated, or charter secondary school

Be in Year 11 or above

Not be paid for their Gateway placement

Gateway is a good fit if you are

Curious and interested in learning
You want to understand what trades and real worksites are like, and you enjoy learning by doing rather than just sitting in a classroom.

Reliable and motivated
You can turn up on time, follow instructions, and take responsibility for your behaviour and learning in a workplace setting.

Open to trying something new
You do not need prior experience. Gateway is about attitude, effort, and a willingness to learn and give things a go.

Real workplace experience while you’re still at school NCEA credits through unit standards Supported placement with school, employer, and EarnLearn Real workplace experience while you’re still at school NCEA credits through unit standards Supported placement with school, employer, and EarnLearn
How it works

How Gateway works

Gateway gives you the chance to experience real trade work while you are still at school, with clear structure and support around you.

You spend time in a real workplace, build practical skills, and complete learning that counts towards your NCEA, all while EarnLearn supports your progress behind the scenes.

Who’s involved

Gateway works best when everyone understands their role. The programme brings together schools, employers, students, and EarnLearn to create a safe, structured, and valuable workplace learning experience.

The school manages the Gateway programme and supports the student throughout their placement.

  • Selects and enrols students into Gateway
  • Finds and confirms a suitable host employer
  • Supports the student with readiness, equipment, and communication
  • Covers programme costs through the school’s Gateway funding

The employer provides real workplace exposure and supports the student on site.

  • Works with the school and student to agree placement timing and attendance
  • Supervises the student while they are on site
  • Supports the student to complete required workplace tasks

The student takes part in the placement and completes learning and assessment requirements.

  • Attends a minimum 10 day placement, usually one day per week over around 10 weeks
  • Completes learning activities and on job tasks
  • Builds hands on experience and earns NCEA credits

EarnLearn delivers the training framework and assessment support behind the scenes.

  • Provides learning resources and assessment booklets
  • Supports assessors and workplace verification
  • Manages assessment, moderation, and NZQA reporting

The process

  1. Sign MOU
    The school signs a Gateway agreement with EarnLearn to confirm programme delivery.

  2. Select student and confirm employer
    The school selects suitable student or students and confirms a host employer.

  3. Register student
    The school submits the enrolment form and EarnLearn confirms the placement.

  4. Gateway pack sent
    EarnLearn provides student learning resources and assessment materials.

  5. Placement begins
    The student attends the workplace as agreed with the school and employer, usually one day per week over around 10 weeks.

  6. Assessment and credits
    EarnLearn assessors review completed evidence and report achieved credits to NZQA.

Enrolment and administration

  • Complete the Enrolment and Resource Form, signed by the student and the school Gateway Coordinator

  • Scan and email the completed form to gateway@earnlearn.ac.nz

  • Resources are couriered to the school’s Gateway Coordinator within approximately 10 working days

If materials are delayed or missing, contact gateway@earnlearn.ac.nz.

Assessment process

  • Student completes on-job tasks and workbook evidence

  • Workplace verifier signs off completed tasks

  • School scans and sends assessment to EarnLearn

  • EarnLearn assessor reviews and marks the assessment

  • Credits are reported to NZQA once competency is confirmed

  • Schools can track student progress directly through NZQA

How assessments work →

Costs, withdrawals and refunds

Programme cost

  • $250 + GST per student, paid by the school’s Gateway fund

  • Covers all learning resources, assessment booklets, assessor support, and moderation

Withdrawals and refunds

If a student withdraws, please notify EarnLearn within 14 days of enrolment.

Refunds may be issued only if

  • EarnLearn is notified within the 14 day period, and

  • Resource materials are returned unused

What EarnLearn provides

  • Learning materials and assessment booklets aligned to Gateway and NCEA requirements.

  • Clear guidance for students, schools, and employers throughout the placement.

  • Registered EarnLearn Assessors to support assessment and verification.

  • Ongoing assessor and moderation support to ensure national consistency.

  • Dedicated Gateway support team to assist with queries, progress, and coordination.

PGD only:
For Plumbing, Gasfitting, and Drainlaying Gateway placements, a Trainee Limited Certificate (TLC) is required to carry out restricted work. EarnLearn manages the TLC process with the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board (PGDB). The TLC form is included in the enrolment pack and processed by EarnLearn once completed by the school.

different trade pathways

Choose your pathway

Explore EarnLearn Gateway programmes by trade and pathway type. Our programmes are built around real workplace learning, supported by structured assessment and guidance from people who understand the trades.

Electrical

From home energy systems to industrial automation and renewable technology, Electrical Gateway offers a versatile, future-proof trade.

  • Work ranges from wiring homes to working on wind turbines or super yachts.
  • Unit standards cover electrical safety, tool use, motor/generator knowledge, and health & safety legislation.

 

Unit Standards (20 Credits Total)

Unit StandardDescriptionLevelCredits
30264Describe duties, rights, representation and the regulator in terms of New Zealand health and safety legislation33
3490Complete an incident report12
4249Describe obligations as an employee13
30692Perform basic calculations used in a given trade situation22
30658Demonstrate knowledge of fundamental electrical safety in the workplace22
16407Use and maintain hand and power tools for electrical work33
1178Follow safe practices in an electrical workplace23
29470Demonstrate knowledge of electric motor and generator construction and operation32

Plumbing, Gasfitting, Drainlaying

Hands-on problem solving, mechanical systems, residential and commercial environments. Highly in-demand nationwide.

  • Tasks include installing hot water systems, gas appliances, drainage pipes, and roofing.
  • Includes unit standards on health & safety, calculations, asbestos safety, and trade-specific knowledge.
  • Students may require a Trainee Limited Certificate (TLC) to carry out restricted work. EarnLearn provides guidance on this requirement while the TLC application is completed by the host employer.

 

Unit Standards (20 Credits Total)

Unit StandardDescriptionLevelCredits
30264Describe duties, rights, representation and the regulator in terms of New Zealand health and safety legislation33
3490Complete an incident report12
4249Describe obligations as an employee13
30692Perform basic calculations used in a given trade situation22
30658Demonstrate knowledge of fundamental electrical safety in the workplace22
497Demonstrate knowledge of workplace health and safety requirements13
21883Demonstrate knowledge of working in gas contaminated environments in plumbing, gasfitting, or drainlaying23
30596Demonstrate knowledge of asbestos and safety measures for asbestos-related work32
 
Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently asked questions for Gateway

Quick answers for students who are interested in EarnLearn’s Gateway programme. 

Gateway is ideal for students who are curious about the trades, reliable, and ready for real hands-on experience. They don’t need prior skills – just interest, initiative, and the ability to turn up prepared each week.

To be eligible for Gateway, students must:

Be a domestic student (as defined under the Education and Training Act 2020)

Be enrolled at a State, State-integrated or charter secondary school

Be in Year 11 or above 

Not be paid for their Gateway placement.

You will spend time in a real workplace alongside experienced tradespeople. Tasks are appropriate to your level and focus on safe work practices, basic trade skills, and understanding how a worksite operates. You will observe, assist where appropriate, and complete learning activities linked to your placement. The goal is exposure, learning, and confidence building rather than being expected to already know everything.

Your school manages your enrolment and usually helps find a suitable host employer. The employer supports you while you are on site. EarnLearn provides learning resources, assessment booklets, and assessor support. You are not on your own. There is clear support from your school, the workplace, and EarnLearn throughout the placement.

Yes. Gateway allows you to work towards NCEA credits by completing unit standards linked to your placement. Credits are earned through on job tasks, workbooks, and assessed evidence. EarnLearn manages the assessment and reporting to NZQA once your competency is confirmed.

Most Gateway placements involve a minimum of 10 days in the workplace. This is usually one day per week over around 10 weeks, but the schedule is agreed between you, your school, and the employer. Your school work continues alongside Gateway, and EarnLearn supports the structure so learning stays on track.

Gateway does not cost students anything. Programme costs are covered by the school through Gateway funding. Many students use Gateway to explore whether a trade is right for them and to build real workplace experience. A successful placement can help you move into further training, employment, or an apprenticeship after leaving school.

GET In touch

Talk to us about Gateway

Whether you are a student exploring a trade, a school coordinating Gateway placements, or an employer interested in hosting students, we are here to help you understand how Gateway works and what the next step looks like.

EarnLearn supports Gateway programmes that give students real workplace experience while meeting Gateway and NCEA requirements, with clear structure, assessment, and ongoing support.

Confirm Gateway eligibility and whether it is the right fit

Understand how placements, learning, and assessment work

Get clear guidance on supporting students in the workplace

Send an enquiry

Share a few details and we will point you to the right next step.

Tip: If you are a school, please include the number of students and your preferred placement period.

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