History of Gateway @ Aotea

 

Gateway started at Aotea College in the first term of 2004 and was headed up by Mr Jeff Churchill, ably assisted by Mrs Anne Taylor. The programme was so successful that the team was awarded the Porirua City Business Award in 2005, just their second year.

 

Originally there were only 35 placements available and all of them were filled, in various industries. Right from the beginning the Gateway programme was devoted to placing students in industries that they were interested in, as well as providing them with the support to work towards industry qualifications.

 

As the years have progressed, the profile of students involved in the program has increased and the programme has consolidated. The number of industries, businesses and training institutions that are happy to place Aotea College students has grown and business development agencies, such as Partners Porirua and the Pacific Business Trust, have weighed in with their support. 

 

Gateway has always aimed to offer students the opportunity to explore nearly any profession they can think of, from training and experience in the trades, to teaching, hairdressing and plumbing. The Gateway programme at Aotea College has been involved in it all.

 

The recognition and involvement has also grown and Aotea Gateway is funded for 75 students in 2010. Students, teachers and other menbers of the greater school community have contributed more and more over the years and now Gateway is a vibrant and important part of Aotea College.