Students who take part in workplace training programs during high school perform better after graduation. A Ministry of Education study shows these teenagers earn more qualifications and finish apprenticeships at higher rates. The research looked at Gateway and Trades Academy participants from 2014 and 2018. These students also found better jobs compared to similar teens who skipped the programs. The study tracked their progress through age 24.
Gateway began operating in 2001 to offer short work placements for students. Trades Academies started in 2010 to teach career skills. Both programs helped keep students enrolled at age 17. More participants earned Level 2 qualifications before turning 18. The benefits worked equally well for all ethnic groups and both genders.
Male students showed the strongest gains from these programs. They enrolled and completed apprenticeships more often than other young men. However, Māori and Pacific males still faced lower completion rates. Female participation in apprenticeships stayed low across all groups. Gateway produced better employment results for women, especially those from Māori and Pacific backgrounds.
The numbers reveal clear advantages for program graduates. About 87 to 90 percent earned Level 2 qualifications compared to 78 percent for other students. Around 10 to 12 percent finished apprenticeships versus just 6 percent for non-participants. These programs also reduced unemployment and helped students find stable work. The benefits continued even during the pandemic when many young people struggled to find jobs.
Gateway began operating in 2001 to offer short work placements for students. Trades Academies started in 2010 to teach career skills. Both programs helped keep students enrolled at age 17. More participants earned Level 2 qualifications before turning 18. The benefits worked equally well for all ethnic groups and both genders.
Male students showed the strongest gains from these programs. They enrolled and completed apprenticeships more often than other young men. However, Māori and Pacific males still faced lower completion rates. Female participation in apprenticeships stayed low across all groups. Gateway produced better employment results for women, especially those from Māori and Pacific backgrounds.
The numbers reveal clear advantages for program graduates. About 87 to 90 percent earned Level 2 qualifications compared to 78 percent for other students. Around 10 to 12 percent finished apprenticeships versus just 6 percent for non-participants. These programs also reduced unemployment and helped students find stable work. The benefits continued even during the pandemic when many young people struggled to find jobs.
