EarnLearn’s Gateway programmes helps schools support Year 11–13 students who are curious about the trades and ready for real workplace experience. Students gain real-world experience, build hands-on skills, and NCEA credits.
With Gateway packages in Plumbing, Gasfitting & Drainlaying, and Electrical, our goal is to help you and your students to make better career decisions and transition smoothly from school into the workforce.
EarnLearn provide all resources, assessments, and support so your team can stay focused on preparing students and maintaining strong employer relationships.
Students spend one day a week (over a min. 10-week period) on-site with a qualified employer – giving them a genuine opportunity to explore a career in the trades while still at school.
Students gain up to 20 NCEA credits alongside real, hands-on experience in the trades. Gateway credits are recognised if they move into an EarnLearn apprenticeship – giving them a head start in their training.
For many students, Gateway is the first step toward an apprenticeship – and for schools, it is a proven way to support confident career decision-making.
Give students a safe, structured taste of the trades while they’re still at school. Gateway placements build confidence, practical skills, and genuine insight into whether a trade career is the right fit.
Students earn recognised NCEA credits through on-job learning and supported assessments — helping them stay on track academically while exploring a hands-on career pathway.
Gateway gives students and whānau visibility over their next steps. Many learners transition into full apprenticeships after school, supported by real experience and employer connections.
Give students a safe, structured taste of the trades while they’re still at school. Gateway placements build confidence, practical skills, and genuine insight into whether a trade career is the right fit.
Students earn recognised NCEA credits through on-job learning and supported assessments — helping them stay on track academically while exploring a hands-on career pathway.
Gateway gives students and whānau visibility over their next steps. Many learners transition into full apprenticeships after school, supported by real experience and employer connections.
School signs MOU with EarnLearn to confirm participation.
Your Gateway Coordinator or Careers Advisor identifies suitable students and confirms local host employers.
Complete the Enrolment and Resource Form (signed by student and school Gateway Coordinator), and submit to EarnLearn for processing.
Students attend their scheduled days on-site, gaining real industry experience while completing required learning tasks.
Students submit verified on-job tasks and workbook evidence. EarnLearn assessors review and report credits to NZQA.
From home energy systems to industrial automation and renewable technology – a versatile, future-proof trade.
| Unit Standard | Description | Level | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30264 | Describe duties, rights, representation and the regulator in terms of New Zealand health and safety legislation | 3 | 3 |
| 3490 | Complete an incident report | 1 | 2 |
| 4249 | Describe obligations as an employee | 1 | 3 |
| 30692 | Perform basic calculations used in a given trade situation | 2 | 2 |
| 30658 | Demonstrate knowledge of fundamental electrical safety in the workplace | 2 | 2 |
| 16407 | Use and maintain hand and power tools for electrical work | 3 | 3 |
| 1178 | Follow safe practices in an electrical workplace | 2 | 3 |
| 29470 | Demonstrate knowledge of electric motor and generator construction and operation | 3 | 2 |
Hands-on problem solving, mechanical systems, residential and commercial environments. Highly in-demand nationwide.
| Unit Standard | Description | Level | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30264 | Describe duties, rights, representation and the regulator in terms of New Zealand health and safety legislation | 3 | 3 |
| 3490 | Complete an incident report | 1 | 2 |
| 4249 | Describe obligations as an employee | 1 | 3 |
| 30692 | Perform basic calculations used in a given trade situation | 2 | 2 |
| 30658 | Demonstrate knowledge of fundamental electrical safety in the workplace | 2 | 2 |
| 497 | Demonstrate knowledge of workplace health and safety requirements | 1 | 3 |
| 21883 | Demonstrate knowledge of working in gas contaminated environments in plumbing, gasfitting, or drainlaying | 2 | 3 |
| 30596 | Demonstrate knowledge of asbestos and safety measures for asbestos-related work | 3 | 2 |
Quick answers for schools 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:
A minimum of 10-days, usually one day per week across 10 weeks (as agreed with school and employer).
The school typically finds and confirms a suitable employer. If you need support or guidance, our Gateway team can help connect you with employers familiar with hosting students.
Yes – all Gateway units carry NZQA credits. Students can gain up to 20 NZEA credits, which are reported to NZQA by EarnLearn once competency is confirmed.
Yes, you can track student progress directly through NZQA.
Students complete workbook tasks and verifiable on-job evidence. EarnLearn marks the assessments and reports credits.
$250 +GST per student, funded through your school’s Gateway fund. This covers all learning resources, assessment booklets, assessor support and moderation.
Yes – many students progress to apprenticeships after building strong relationships with their host employer.
If a student withdraws, please notify EarnLearn within 14 days of enrolment. A refund can only be issued if:
Get in touch with our team today to learn how you can get involved, or download the Gateway Information Flyer for more details.
Access our Teachers’ Manual for guidance on supporting students through the Gateway programme.
Complete the Gateway Enrolment & Resource Purchase Form and send it to registrations@earnlearn-tepukenga.ac.nz.
Invite a student to experience your industry — download the Employers’ Brochure to learn how it works.
Fill out the form and our team will be in touch to answer your questions and get you started with EarnLearn Gateway.
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