Free School resource alert!

Inspiring the Future is an exciting free resource for schools across Aotearoa. Enabling schools to host their own Career events, utilising the amazing pre-made and in-depth resources created by TEC.

Based on local and international research, these events challenge stereotypes that can limit young people’s potential – by introducing them to role models from the world of work.

TEC has done the hard work for you and offers all the resources you could need to host your event. All you have to do is line up some members of your schools/kura community to act as role models!

This event format is simple and effective. The number of externals is relatively low, with streamlines the event management work and ensures that any and every school can host an event, without our industry supporters becoming overstretched. The key is to utilise your school/kura whānau networks.

Get the conversations started for an Inspiring The Future event at your school/kura for 2024!

If you would like further information or support, connect with one of our Vocational Coordinators.

Tools Of The Trade - Kaipara

August 30th - 2023

Calling all Kaipara-based secondary schools!

You are invited to participate in our upcoming Tools Of The Trade event at Dargaville High School.

Please connect with your dedicated Vocational Coordinator to secure your ākonga attendance.

Ngā Ara Taiao - Mid North

September 20th - 2023

Our EEB team, along with Ngāwhā Innovation and Enterprise Park, worked together with local businesses to allow ākonga from Te Kura Kaupapa Māori ō Kaikohe the chance to visit three different work sites, not only in three different industries but dealing with three different environments!

Ara Whenua, Ara Wai, Ara Rangi!

Ngā Whai Mahi - WBHS

September 13th - 2023

Ngā Whai Mahi is an event that supports the full cohort of 380 Year 10 students at Whangārei Boys' High School.

This event will showcase the full spectrum of Vocational Pathways, as well as career-related workshops to upskill and empower them in their career decision-making.

If you are part of an industry that would like to connect with youth, to showcase what you have to offer, then reach out via the link below!

Tools Of The Trade - Kamo High School

September 15th - 2023

This event supports a group of 100-150 students explore various trades and pathways through a series of hands-on workshops, held over a full school day. This is a neat opportunity to connect with young people in a fun and interactive way.

If you are part of an industry that would like to connect with youth, to showcase what you have to offer, then reach out via the link below!

External provider events

Cate Conference

November 22nd-24th 2023

CATE Conference 2023—Whangarei, Northland

Wednesday 22nd-24th November 2023.

Whangārei is lucky enough to be the host for this year’s national Cate Conference.

This will be an exceptional learning opportunity for all careers and transitions-based school/industry staff.

Te Pito: Take the time to reset, come back to the beginning and rediscover your “True North”

This three-day event is packed with professional development workshops specific to supporting you in your role. It is an opportunity not to be missed!

Evolution School Of Beauty - STAR Programme

Exciting news!

Evolution School Of Beauty are re-commencing their STAR programmes for the students of Northland.

They would like to talk to any school and/or student who would be interested in pursuing options in the Beauty Industry and have flexible options for schools and students who are outside of Whangārei.

ITC - Whangārei - Trade Academy

The Business of Tourism Academy offers 30 credits at level 3, offering high school students a chance to learn more about this exciting industry while earning credits.

As well as credits, one of the biggest benefits of this course is the connection that it builds between students and employers. Throughout their studies, students will meet with industry people during site visits and activities, which will help to build a valuable network.

Primary ITO - Gateway and Trade Academy

We help students to take their first steps towards an exciting career in the primary industry, and support schools too. We help students work towards qualifications that will set them up for success as they prepare to enter the workforce.

We’re also committed to supporting teachers and careers advisers with information, tools, and resources about careers in the primary industry.

Our role

Our Future Pathways team works with schools and industry to ensure we provide relevant information and education for students who are interested in the primary industries.

Once students leave school, we help them transition into employment or further education.

We focus on successful and meaningful education, which means we: 

• deliver primary industries learning in a relevant context
• provide practical learning
• ensure students achieve NCEA Level 2
• increase retention of students in education
• ensuring students successfully transition into further education or employment, such as apprenticeships.

Gateway

Training for years 11 to 13.

Our Gateway programme includes theory and practical unit standards for students in Years 11 to 13. Students reinforce theory work with real-life industry work experience, giving them a taste of what a career in the primary sector is truly like.

Currently, we offer packages of learning across:

• dairy farming
• horticulture
• seafood
• sheep and beef farming
• arboriculture
• apiculture
• primary sector
• sports turf
• pest eradication. 

We provide services to schools

As part of our Gateway programme, we offer the following services to schools:

• comprehensive learning and resource packages for school students
• help schools to connect to local industry employers for work placements
• support for students to make career decisions.

We can help students get industry placements

As part of our Gateway programme, we may be able to help place your students in a primary industry business.

We have the contacts and knowledge to help match a student to the right work placement. This work placement may lead to future employment within the primary sector, possibly within the same workplace.

Find out more and get involved!

Email us or download our brochure for more information and to find out how your school can get involved.

Email: gateway@primaryito.ac.nz

Trades Academy

Are you interested in a programme that will give your students a kickstart towards an exciting career in primary industries?

Our Trades Academy is a secondary-tertiary programme (STP) that provides senior secondary students with a broad range of learning opportunities in primary industries. The programme is based on a partnership between schools and the Primary ITO and delivers: 

• a coherent NCEA level 2 (or equivalent) qualification 
• a programme which leads to the NZ Certificate in Primary Industry Skills (Level 2) 

All schools involved in the Trades Academy deliver the Trades Academy Primary Industry Skills (Level 2). The programme aims to give students practical skills and theoretical knowledge that will help them make informed choices about their career options in primary industries. Students gain transferable literacy and numeracy skills. They also gain work-ready skills through practical training in realistic working environments.



Students can also complete a Level 3 programme that may enable them to move into an apprenticeship in their chosen sector.

Merlin Labs NZ

Merlin Labs NZ, a branch of the U.S. Company “Merlin” based in Kerikeri, is the aviation technology company propelling the future of fully autonomous flight developing hardware and software solutions that deliver the capability for aircraft to fly useful missions autonomously. Merlin Labs are working hard to design, develop and create autonomous aeroplanes to be used for freight delivery.



With this mahi comes a whole new world full of possibilities and potential pathways for rangatahi here in Te Tai Tokerau.

Merlin Labs HAVE and ARE willing to welcome ākonga here in Te Tai Tokerau to get a first-hand look at the mahi that goes on at Merlin Labs while also exposing the many different pathways available within aviation.

Kaikohe Berryfruit Ltd was founded in 2021 and is a proud partnership between Ngāpuhi Asset Holding Company and Far North Holdings Ltd. The newly established 26ha horticultural development is located on the Ngawha Innovation & Enterprise Park, with its primary purpose being to develop a sustainable and productive horticulture enterprise, delivering growth, profitability, and employment within the local community.



Kaikohe Berryfruit was a part of our Ngā Ara Taiao event, where they welcomed local ākonga onto their worksite and showed them around, had the ākonga planting strawberries, and showcased the different types of mahi they do in their industry as well as the different pathways within the Horticulture industry.

Kaikohe Berryfruit Ltd