Gateway
Help your students get workplace experience
gateway for students

Gateway programmes that support students while they’re still at school

Gateway helps schools give students structured, real-world exposure to the trades while they remain enrolled at school.

Students spend time on site with an approved employer, gain hands-on experience, and build practical skills alongside their classroom learning. EarnLearn manages the training resources, assessments, and support, so schools can deliver Gateway confidently and compliantly. 

Why schools choose Gateway

  • NCEA credits that count: Students complete recognised unit standards that contribute to NCEA, with no cost to students.

  • Real workplace experience: Supervised, hands-on exposure helps students understand employer expectations early.

  • Stronger pathway decisions: Students can explore a trade before committing, improving post-school outcomes.

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programme snapshot

Typical structure
Part-time alongside school

Students work towards
NCEA credits + trade experience

WHAT STUDENTS WILL EXPERIENCE:
Students are exposed to real work environments, including basic tasks, safe work practices, and working alongside experienced tradespeople. Gateway helps students understand how worksites operate and how classroom learning connects to real-world application.

No prior trade experience is required. Gateway focuses on learning, observation, and confidence-building in a supported setting.

Gateway supports positive transitions by helping students move into further training, employment, or apprenticeships after leaving school.

How it works

How Gateway works

A clear, school-friendly process that makes it easy to get started and keeps students on track.

1

Confirm participation

Schools confirm participation in EarnLearn’s Gateway programme by signing an MOU. This confirms roles, responsibilities, and ensures the programme is delivered in line with Gateway and NCEA requirements.

Once confirmed, EarnLearn provides guidance on next steps and programme setup.

2

Place students into Gateway

The school’s Gateway Coordinator or Careers Advisor identifies suitable Year 11–13 students and confirms host employers.

Students are registered for Gateway through EarnLearn, with enrolment forms completed by the student and school. EarnLearn then prepares assessments and learning resources for the placement.

3

Workplace learning & assessment

Students attend their scheduled days on site, gaining real workplace experience while completing Gateway learning tasks.

EarnLearn assessors review verified on-job evidence, mark assessments, and report achieved credits to NZQA, ensuring compliance and quality assurance throughout the programme.

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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 students the chance to step onto a real worksite, learn from experienced tradespeople, and build confidence in a supported environment while continuing their 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 for your student if

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

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

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

different trade pathways

Different pathways to the trades

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
 
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
Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently asked questions for Gateway schools

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

Gateway is a school-funded programme that allows secondary students to gain structured workplace experience while remaining enrolled at school. Schools select suitable students and confirm host employers, while EarnLearn provides the learning resources, assessment materials, registered assessors, and NZQA reporting. Students typically attend the workplace one day per week over an agreed period, gaining hands-on experience and NCEA credits alongside their classroom learning.

Schools are responsible for selecting and enrolling students, confirming host employers, supporting student readiness, and maintaining pastoral oversight. EarnLearn manages the training delivery, assessments, moderation, and reporting, reducing the administrative burden on schools. Programme costs are covered through the school’s Gateway funding, with no cost to students.

EarnLearn supplies all learning and assessment resources, assigns registered assessors, manages NZQA reporting, and provides a dedicated Gateway support team. For Plumbing, Gasfitting and Drainlaying placements, EarnLearn also manages the Trainee Limited Certificate process where required. This ensures schools can deliver Gateway programmes confidently, compliantly, and with clear visibility of student progress.

Students complete on-job tasks and workbook evidence during their placement, with workplace verifiers signing off relevant activities. Schools submit assessment materials to EarnLearn, where registered assessors review and confirm competency. Once achieved, credits are reported directly to NZQA and appear on the student’s NZQA record. Schools can track progress through standard NZQA systems.

Gateway helps students make informed career decisions by exposing them to real work environments before leaving school. Credits gained through Gateway are recorded on the student’s NZQA record and may be recognised if the student progresses into an EarnLearn apprenticeship, reducing repetition. Many schools see Gateway as a key tool for improving post-school transitions into employment, further training, or apprenticeships.

GET In touch

Talk to us about Gateway

Whether you’re a school coordinating Gateway placements, an employer hosting students, or a student exploring a trade pathway, we’ll help you understand how Gateway works and confirm the right next steps.

EarnLearn supports Gateway programmes that provide real workplace experience while meeting Gateway and NCEA requirements.

Confirm Gateway eligibility and programme options

Understand placement, assessment, and reporting requirements

Get clear guidance to support students through workplace learning

Send an enquiry

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

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

Get in touch