CAREERS & GATEWAY

Making a Career Decision:

It is never too early to start planning a career choice but many students struggle to find a suitable career option. Some find there is too much choice or they are unsure of the requirements for work, training or tertiary courses. Parents may feel frustrated that their daughter cannot make a career decision or they lack the in-depth and accurate knowledge to advise about career possibilities in today’s market. Many study options are expensive so it is wise to take the time to make a suitable decision.

Tips for Students:

  • Seek help early to a career decision so you choose suitable subjects. Make an appointment with the school Career Advisors – Ms Calder or Mrs Burgess-Munro
  • Use careercentral.school.nz  to reflect on your interests, strengths, qualities and values.
  • Identify career options that fit your interests, skills, values and dreams – take into account your academic level.
  • Narrow your list down to two or three and research on www.careers.govt.nz
  • Make a career plan with steps you need to take in order to achieve your goals. Have a back-up plan.
  • Keep reviewing your plan.

Tips for Parents:

Encourage your daughter with her plan – be supportive but realistic.

Attend the school Subject Selection/ Careers Evening each year in Term 3

Visit www.careers.govt.nz for specific information for parents.

Key Resources:

SCHOLARSHIPS

There are a large number of financial scholarships available each year for potential tertiary students. Each tertiary institution has a scholarship section of their website and this is the first place students should be searching. 

Students are encouraged to begin their search beginning of Term 2 as most scholarships will have opened for application. Checking the closing date and application criteria is very important as they vary for each scholarship.

Documentation required is generally similar to:

  • NCEA Record of Achievement
  • Evidence of citizenship – Birth Certificate or Passport
  • Essay/Statement how they met the criteria
  • Supporting reference from the school and often community
  • Other supporting evidence such as – leadership, school and community involvement
 
Scholarships are generally awarded to students who demonstrate as good all round students –
– academically able, involved in school life and active in the community.
 
Other scholarship sources are – 
– www.moneyhub.co.nz       
– www.maorieducation.org.nz    (Maori Education Trust)
– www.mpp.govt.nz/young-people/toloa-programmes/       (Ministry for Pacific Peoples)

Career Pathways

Gateway

Available to Year 12 and 13 students. Gateway is a government initiative to support students in Career exploration by giving them opportunities to access structured workplace learning.

STAR Career Taster Days

Year 10-13 students can explore a range of 1-2 day careers experiences through Wintec, Vision College, NZ School of Tourism and other providers, undertaking Hairdressing, Nursing, Animal Technology, First Aid and many more.

Waikato Trades Academy

Selected Year 12-13 students can be part of the Secondary Tertiary Partnership Programme by studying with Wintec one day per week and school for four days – Service Sector, Social & Community Sector, Manufacturing & Technology Sector (Engineering), Sport Science, and Construction & Infrastructure.

We Assist with:

  • Career decision making & exploration
  • Subject selection
  • CV writing, preparation for applications interview skills, job hunting
  • Information on further study
  • Work experience and work shadowing
  • Visits from tertiary providers
  • Speakers from a wide range of career areas
  • Scholarship applications & references
  • Halls of Residence applications
  • Student loan and allowance applications

Careers Staff

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Wendy Calder

Director of Careers

Vicky Burgess- Munro

Career Advisor

Maria Pearce

Pathways Coordinator 

Janelle Chitty

Careers Adminstrator