From the Careers Department

As we are now more than half way through the year, students are busy planning for their 2017 course options. This is a busy and sometimes stressful time of the year for students, so it is important that they know where and how to seek professional advice. The Careers Department offers guidance and support for all students, particularly those who are uncertain about their future prospects.

Communication

The Careers Department has three main points of contact for students:
• The Awatapu College Careers Facebook Page
• School Daily Notices
• Careers Office by making an appointment

University Hall of Residence Applications

Applications for placements in University Halls of Residences for 2017 are now open. Many Year 13 students have already started this process by expressing their interest with the Careers Department last term.
• Students should have indicated which Universities they are looking to apply at
• Students should have selected three staff nominees

Careers Guidance for Senior Intending to Leave at the End of 2016

The Careers Department offers many courses/guidance for students intending to leave school at the end of 2016. Sign up sheets for the below courses are available from the Careers Office.
• Tertiary Advice/Course Planning
• Career Search Workshops
• CV preparation

Options for 2017

Students who are keen to pursue a non-University pathway as their career are invited to consider both the Gateway and Trades Academy options that the school offers. In summary:

Gateway 2017
• Open to Year 12/13 students who know what they want to do when they leave school, usually a trade but not exclusively so
• Students spend one day per week out on the job with an employer
• Students study subjects that are relevant to their work choice over the other four days
• Students undertake industry approved Unit Standards that are relevant to their work choice
• All credits contribute to an NCEA qualification at the appropriate level
• Students are getting apprenticeships as a result of their involvement in the Gateway programme
• Places are limited so you need to start talking to the Careers Department about this option early
• The first point of contact for the Gateway programme is Mrs Pearson

Trades Academy (USKILLS) 2017
• Students attend UCOL one day per week across a range of career pathways
• Students study at school for the other four days
• Students study a coherent programme while at school
• All credits contribute to an NCEA qualification at the appropriate level
• Demand for places always exceeds availability so students need to move as soon as this programme is promoted
• The first point of contact for the Trades Academy programme is Mrs Pearson

Youth Guarantee Funded Places

Parents may not be aware but there are a number of funded places at both UCOL and a variety of private providers for students undertaking full time courses. Students apply for the programme they want to undertake and then apply for a Youth Guarantee Funded Place at the same time. Students wanting to pursue this option should see Mrs Pearson.