Gateway is an opportunity to do work experience in an industry that you may be interested in as a career. Relevant Unit Standards can be obtained during the Gateway placement. Year 11, 12 & 13 students are encouraged to apply at the Career Centre. Gateway can be done either during Term time (one day a week) or during school holidays. As well as working towards unit standards from the National Qualification Framework (NZQA), students will also learn practical industry skills and gain industry knowledge relevant to their field of interest.

Examples of Gateway Placements include:

To register your interest contact Gateway: kls@pukekohehigh.co.nz

Gateway Application Form

Gateway Placement Opportunities

STAR Courses are available to support students to explore career pathways and help them make informed decisions about their schooling and future work or study. They are offered to inspire students and provide opportunities to gain valuable skills and knowledge and a taster of different industries.

STAR Courses are for Year 11-13 students and are offered over the school holidays. There is no cost to the students. Due to high demand for these programs, students are generally restricted to one STAR course a year. The Careers team will engage with the students and providers to seek out a suitable course. Here are some examples:

To register your interest, contact Careers: Mrs Jolly jl@pukekohehigh.co.nz

Star Courses – April School Holidays

Careers NZ – https://www.careers.govt.nz/  – Career inspiration and job-hunting support, Career Quest to explore job ideas CV builder.

MoneyHub – https://www.moneyhub.co.nz/ -Student Guides and resources to help assist with scholarships, money tips, CVs, student loans and allowances.

Gateway – https://www.tec.govt.nz/funding/funding-and-performance/funding/fund-finder/gateway/ Work Experience in industry

Study Spy – https://studyspy.ac.nz/ – Find your future, courses, scholarships, providers.

What to Study and where? – https://www.universitiesnz.ac.nz/ Information about the eight universities.

NZQA – https://www2.nzqa.govt.nz/ – To support learners, make sure they have access to quality training, hold educational achievements and can be lifelong learners.

StudyLink – https://www.providers.studylink.govt.nz/ Provider financial support via Student Allowances and Student Loans.

Real Me – https://www.realme.govt.nz/ An account to be used to verify identity.

Just the Job – https://www.justthejob.co.nz/ 300 Career Profiling Videos.

Future You – https://www.wintec.ac.nz/future-you A helpful job match tool to discover the best fit for you.

Got A Trade Got It Made- https://www.connexis.org.nz/ On the job training.

Leaving School Magazines – https://oliverlee.co.nz/read-online/ Study and career options via an online publication for high school students.

Trade Jobs NZ – https://www.tradejobsnz.co.nz/ Purpose built job site just for Trades.

ATT https://www.att.org.nz/ Apprentice Training Trust. Start an apprenticeship, Plumbing, Gasfitter, Electrical, Drainlayer.

NCEA (National Certificate of Educational Achievement) – https://www.nzqa.govt.nz/ncea/is the main secondary school qualification in New Zealand

HITO Apprenticeships – Apprenticeships – HITO

PITO – Apprenticeships | Primary ITO

Where Can I Study?

For all options: https://studyspy.ac.nz/

For University study:-Thinking about Uni

Question: If attending a particular university will this give you a better chance of getting a job?

Answer: You need to find the university that fits with you and your style of learning.

Will attending a prestigious university get you a better graduate job

https://www.topuniversities.com/university-rankings-articles/world-university-rankings/top-universities-new-zealand-2021

A guide for study in NZ

A list of all degrees offered in NZ

AUT

AUT

AUT’s Future Career Sheets

Entry Requirements for AUT Degrees 

Tool to help with Subject Selection

Degree planners:

Bachelor of Design

Bachelor of Business

Bachelor of Communication Studies

Bachelor of International Hospitality Management

Bachelor of Arts

Bachelor of Science

Bachelor of Computer and Information Sciences

University of Auckland

University of Auckland

Guide to choosing school subjects

Careers for Arts Graduates

University of Waikato

University of Waikato

Recommended and Required School Subjects for Waikato University

Guide to studying at Waikato University

Massey University

Massey University

Massey University recommended and required subjects

Victoria University of Wellington

Victoria University of Wellington

Planning Ahead – School Subjects

Career View booklets

Victoria University Guide to Undergraduate Study

University of Otago

Otago University

Otago University Degree information sheets

Otago University required and recommended school subjects

University of Canterbury

University of Canterbury
What Can I do with a Degree from UC (great series of career info brochures)

What Year 13 subjects should I take at school?

Year 11 and 12 high school students

Lincoln University

Lincoln University
Lincoln University – Brochures and Publications – https://www.lincoln.ac.nz/about-us/brochures-and-publications/

Institute of Technologies and Polytechs (Te Pūkenga)

If you are looking for a more practical style of learning and smaller class sizes you may want to consider a polytechnic. They have a range of subjects available and are often focused on an end job.  They offer qualification ranging from a certificate (NZQA Level 3 or 4) to a degree (NZQA Level 7). Programs are designed to suit people of all ages and stages of education.

Te Pūkenga

Scholarships are offered by universities, companies and private organizations to students from all over New Zealand. The purpose of a scholarship is to help finance a student’s education pathway.

MoneyHub  contains school-leaver scholarships, tips and advice.

StudySpy is a directory of NZ school-leaver scholarships.

Applying for Scholarships

Scholarship applications are relevant to each tertiary institution and individual organisations, having slightly different processes for their scholarship applications. Most applications are submitted through their online portal, some applications are completed in writing. Preparing for a scholarship takes time and there are things you can start to the process. A successful application will not only include how you have done academically but need to show that you have made the most of the opportunities that you have been given.  For example, leadership, getting involved in your school and local community, volunteering, extensive co-curricular activities.

Your application may require a Personal Statement. Make sure it stands out from the crowd!

You might want to include:

• Your story – be genuine and authentic, what makes your different from others
• Describe your personal, academic and career aspirations/goals/dreams
• Why you want to study at that particular tertiary institution eg; programmes offered or location
• Awards – Academic/sporting/cultural/artistic/community/volunteer successes
• Leadership positions you have held eg: peer support, mentor, coach, tutor
• Why you believe you deserve this scholarship

• Collect evidence for your application. If you are applying for a scholarship based on community involvement, sporting success, financial need or other non-academic factors, make sure you have documentation that supports your achievements.
• Endorse original documents. Your scholarship application may require you to have your original identification documents endorsed. A copy of your original documents will need to certified by a Justice of Peace.
• Request a reference. Think about one or two people who you could ask to write you a reference to support your scholarship application. These should be people of significance, e.g. a coach, a church leader, or community mentor.It cannot be a member of your family or a friend. Wherever possible, ask them to write the reference on an official letterhead, and include their email address and phone number.

University Scholarships

• AUT
• Lincoln University
• Massey University
• University of Auckland
• University of Canterbury
• Canterbury First Year School Leaver Scholarships
• Tips and Tricks for Scholarship applications (UC)
• University of Otago
• University of Waikato
• Victoria University of Wellington

Ensure you check the closing dates for applications.  Late applications will not be accepted.

How many credits do I need?

NCEA levels and certificates

There are three levels of NCEA certificate, depending on the difficulty of the standards achieved. At each level, students must achieve a certain number of credits to gain an NCEA certificate. Credits can be gained over more than one year.

Credits gained at one level can be used for (or count towards) more than one certificate. They may also be used towards other qualifications. For example, unit standards in the domain ‘generic computing’ might be used towards a Level 2 NCEA certificate, as well as towards a National Certificate in Computing (Level 2); or 20 credits gained at Level 1 can also count towards a Level 2 NCEA certificate.

How do I get endorsement at NCEA?

Course endorsement provides recognition if you perform exceptionally well in individual courses. Endorsement requires at least 14 credits at Excellence or Merit for that particular level of endorsement. At least 3 credits must come from externally assessed standards.

NCEA Certificate endorsement requires you to achieve at least 50 credits at Excellence or Merit to gain Certificate endorsement at that level.

NCEA Scholarship Exams

The opportunity to attempt the scholarship examination in one or more courses will be available to Year 12 & 13 students. Nationally scholarships are awarded to the top 2% or 3% of students in subject areas. If you think you would like to take scholarship exams talk to your teachers.

If a decision is made to proceed, teachers will help prepare students during normal class and subject tutorial times. Students attempting to obtain a scholarship will be required to either sit an external exam in addition to their Level 3 external exams or submit additional portfolio work over and above their submissions presented to achieve Level 3.

Scholarship awards are available to New Zealand citizens or permanent residents only. Scholarship awards attract a one-off payment of $500 per subject with a maximum payment of $1000. Special awards of a higher monetary value are available to students gaining 3 or more scholarship awards.

University Papers (while still at school)

For students who have achieved Level 3 in subjects prior to Year 12 or 13 there is the opportunity to study first year university papers through University of Canterbury or The University of Waikato. Have a look at the exciting papers on offer.

• University of Canterbury STAR Programme
• The University of Waikato Unistart

Financing your Future Study

Universities and some Polytechnics offer scholarships to assist with either fees and/or accommodation costs. To be eligible for most university scholarships students need to have achieved Level 2 endorsed with Merit or Excellence.

In addition to academic performance applicants are considered on the basis of involvement in cultural, arts or sports extracurricular as well as community service. Community involvement is highly valued and can be within or outside of school. Year 12 and 13 students are strongly encouraged to take part in some kind of community service, volunteering, cultural, sport, leadership, peer support etc

Maori and Pasifika Students

If you are planning to study Arts or Science at Auckland University, the Unibound programme is a good introduction to University life for Maori and Pasifika students.

Maori Students

Wānanga
Wānanga are publicly owned tertiary institutions that focus on practical learning and embrace learning and teaching in a Māori cultural context. Tertiary study is available from NZQA Level 3 to Level 10. The three wānanga’s are:

• Te Wānanga o Aotearoa
• Te Wānanga o Raukawa
• Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi 

Useful links:

• Scholarships for Maori Students
• Careers in Health for Maori Students
• Careers that use Te Reo Maori
• Learning Te Reo to improve your job chances
• Maori Students at Auckland University
• Maori Students at AUT
• Maori Hub – Victoria University
• Maori Students at Otago University
• Maori Students at Canterbury University
• Maori Students at Lincoln University
• Maori Students at Massey University
• Maori Students at Waikato University

Pasifika Students
Getting involved in Pasifika events and organisations during your studies can be a great way to meet new people and access support.

Useful links:

• Scholarships for Pacific Students
• Pacific Futures
• Pacific at AUT
• Pacific at University of Auckland
• Pacific at Otago University
• Pasifika Hub – Victoria University
• Pasifika at Canterbury University
• Pacific students at Lincoln University
• Pacific at Waikato University
• Pacific at Massey University

The Careers Team can help students with:

• Checking course requirements
• Applying for University
• Scholarship applications and workshops
• Future pathway planning with seniors
• CV preparation
• Guest speakers
• Gain a Learners or Restricted licenses (depending on funding)
• Tertiary visits to school, and many other programmes related to pathways.

Blue Light Life Skills

The Life Skills programme centres on a week-long residential learning camp in partnership with the NZ Defence Force, focusing on leadership, confidence and team work. This camp would also suit young people considering career opportunities in the services.

New Zealand Defence Force

New Zealand’s Defence has over 100 exciting roles available, there’s something for everyone. Register your profile and take the Force Interests Test (F.I.T) to discover the Defence careers that suit you best.
https://defencecareers.mil.nz/defence-careers/

Schools to Sea Programme Opportunity for 2026 –  An opportunity for woman to thrive in the maritime industry as Engineers, Technicians and Operators.

The School to Seas residential camp at Devonport Naval Base in Auckland will not run until April 2026. Applications are expected to be open in November 2025. Apply to spend one week onboard. Taking registrations of interest from Year 12 & 13 students who are studying Maths & Science (L2). https://www.nzdf.mil.nz/programmes-and-resources/school-to-seas/

Schools to Skies Programme Opportunity for 2025 – An opportunity to experience what a career in a technical or aviation field would be like. The programme is mostly hands-on and supported by serving Air Force personnel, so you’ll learn in a safe and secure environment.

https://www.nzdf.mil.nz/programmes-and-resources/school-to-skies/

Girls In Infrastructure

Girls are lining up for a chance to see what Infrastructure all is about. The attendance of 16 girls this year experienced a magnificent day out at the Stevenson’s Quarry and the Southern Motorway Interchange. Girls learnt about roles, responsibilities, and an in-depth insight into their operations allowing girls to see what they normally wouldn’t be exposed too.

MITO – (Motor Industry Training Organization)

Three students were lucky enough to join the MITO tour which showcased opportunities that exist for on-the-job learning and apprenticeships in the automotive industry, this tour was perfect for students to get a behind-the-scenes look at automotive workshops.

You need a RealMe login to apply online and access MyStudyLink. If you’re applying for a Student Loan or Student Allowance for the first time, you will need to send Study Link evidence of your identity, e.g. a copy of your Passport or Birth Certificate using Connect. https://www.studylink.govt.nz/online-services/apply/first-time/index.html

An apprenticeship is a vocational training program where you learn on the job under the guidance of experienced, qualified tradespeople. Apprenticeships in New Zealand allow you to gain essential skills and knowledge while earning money. An apprentice has many jobs and requirements before becoming a registered tradesperson.

Apprenticeship Information

• What are apprenticeships and how do I get one?
• Auckland Welding School
• BCITO – Building and Construction Apprenticeships
• ATT – Plumbing, Gasfitting, Drainlaying and Electrical apprenticeships
• Engineering Apprenticeships
• Electrical Apprenticeships
• Competenz – (Engineering, Food and Beverage, Forestry, Manufacturing, Print, Packaging and Sign Making, Textiles, Apparel and Laundry, Furniture and Transport)
• MITO – Automotive Apprenticeships, Transport and Logistics, Drilling/Mining and Quarrying, Gas, Industrial Textile Fabrication, Resource Operations, Business Skills
• Masterlink Plumbing
• NZ Welding School
• NZA – Building and Construction Apprenticeships
• Roofing 
• Skills Org Trades (ITO) – Electrical, Plumbing, Gasfitting, Drainlaying, Scaffolding, Roofing, Cranes, Rigging, Industrial Rope Access, Elevated Work Platforms, Occupational Health and Safety

Agriculture

• Go Dairy – Dairy Farming, Agri-Business, Agri-Science information
• Smedley Station and Cadet Training Farm
• Waipaoa Station – Farm Cadet Training Trust
• Telford Rural Education
• Otiwhiti Station

Creative Industries

• School of Audio Engineering – SAE
• National Carving School
• Yoobee – Animation, design, film and technology
• Cut Above – hairdressing, barbering and make-up
• Sevilles Academy – hairdressing, barbering and make-up
• Media Design School 
• Whitecliffe Art School
• Toi Whakaari
• Unitec – Screen Arts
• Unitec – Acting
• South Seas Film School
• Kristen Stewart School of Makeup (Christchurch)

Defence Forces and Police

• Defence Forces
• Defence Forces – how to apply
• Police

Health

• NZ College of Chinese Medicine 
• NZ College of Chiropractic
• Wellpark College of Natural Therapies
• NZ School of Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine
• College of Natural Health and Homeopathy
• Kia Ora Hauora – supporting Maori into Health Careers
• NZ College of Massage

Hospitality and Tourism

• The Culinary Collective – cooking and hospitality
• NZ School of Food and Wine
• NZ School of Tourism
• Le Cordon Bleu NZ
• Crown Institute of Studies – Business, Hospitality, Travel and Tourism
• The International Travel College
• Professional Business and Restaurant School
• Queenstown Resort College (QRC)
• Pacific International Hotel Management School

Marine and Air (including Pilot)

• Adapt testing for Pilots
• Air Traffic Control
• International Aviation Academy
• Nelson Aviation College
• Marine and Specialised Technologies Academy (MAST)
• Southern Wings Flight Training
• North Shore Aero Club – Young Eagles

Sports

• Hillary Outdoors
• NZ Institute of Sport
• Skills Active – Apprenticeships in sport and community recreation, exercise, performing arts, snow sport, dive and outdoor recreation industries.
• NZ Sports and Turf Institute

Tech and IT

• Techtorium – NZ Institute of Information Technology
• Media Design School – Software Engineering (Game Design)

Other

• Animal Homeopathy College
• NZ Skydiving School
• NZ Farriers
• NZMA – Hospitality, Cookery, Business, Contact Centre, Construction, Electrical Engineer, Early Childhood Education, Health, Plumbing and Gasfitting, Sport and Foundation, Painting and Plastering, Maori and Pacific Trades Training, Pharmacy, Floristry, Police
• Ignite – Hospitality, Early Childhood, Logistics and Transport, Health care, Cookery, Pre-Police and Defence Forces Training, Security
• NZIE – Business, Digital Marketing, English Language
• NZ School of Music
• Primary Industry ITO
• Regent Training Centre (RTC) – Building, Automotive, ICT, Literacy and Numeracy for all ages
• Te Wananga O Aotearoa
• Vet Nurse Plus