Building real skills and real career pathways in Electrical and Plumbing, Gasfitting & Drainlaying
EarnLearn is New Zealand’s leading training provider of Plumbing, Gasfitting and Drainlaying (PGD) and Electrical apprenticeships. We’ve helped train thousands of apprentices nationwide, giving them the skills and qualifications to build successful, long-term careers in the trades. EarnLearn Gateway offers a structured pathway for students in Years 11 to 13 to gain real workplace experience, a genuine taste of the trades, and NCEA credits at the same time.
With Gateway packages in Plumbing, Gasfitting & Drainlaying, and Electrical, our goal is to help students make better career decisions and transition smoothly from school into the workforce.
Gateway is a government initiative that lets senior secondary students experience real workplaces while they’re still at school. It blends on-job experience with structured learning and assessment, so students earn credits while building practical skills and confidence.
With Gateway, schools and EarnLearn work together to build a sustainable pipeline of young talent for New Zealand industries.
Motivated, work-ready learners who want a head start in trades, security, business, or finance.
For students
For schools
For employers
Students gain unit standards that count towards their qualifications, meaning their time on Gateway contributes directly to their school achievement.
Gateway lets students explore real workplace environments, giving them a taste of the trades and careers they’re interested in before committing to full-time study or employment.
Gateway helps students build valuable industry connections and practical skills, creating a smoother transition into apprenticeships, further study, or direct employment after school.
Your Gateway or careers team identifies motivated students and submits their enrolment to EarnLearn.
Work with a local employer who can host the student one day per week over the placement period.
Students attend their scheduled days on site, gaining real industry experience while completing required learning tasks.
Students submit workbook evidence and verified on-job tasks. EarnLearn assessors review and report credits to NZQA.
Senior secondary students (Years 11–13) who are motivated to explore trades, security, business, or finance pathways.
Students typically spend one day per week on-site with their host employer. The exact schedule can vary depending on school requirements and the employer’s workload, but consistency is key to ensuring meaningful skill development.
Students complete unit standards aligned to industry expectations. Assessment is based on evidence gathered in the workplace and supported by EarnLearn’s assessors.
If a student withdraws early, fees may be refunded on a pro-rata basis depending on how far through the training they are.
EarnLearn provides full wraparound support, including:
We stay closely connected to ensure both the student and the employer feel supported throughout the programme.
The fee for each programme is $250 + GST per student.
This is paid by the school gateway programme.
Get in touch with our team today to learn how you can get involved, or download the Gateway Information Flyer for more details.
Access our Teachers’ Manual for guidance on supporting students through the Gateway programme.
Complete the Gateway Enrolment & Resource Purchase Form and send it to registrations@waiouru.earnlearn.ac.nz.
Invite a student to experience your industry — download the Employers’ Brochure to learn how it works.
Fill out the form and our team will be in touch to guide you through the process, answer your questions, and help you take the next step.
0800 327 648 (0800 EARN IT)
Monday - Friday, 8:30am - 5pm
If you’re overseas, please phone
+64 09 9051748
supportel@waiouru.earnlearn.ac.nz
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