06 Jun Building Futures Through Gateway
At Isaac’s, we don’t just fix what’s broken —
we help build what comes next.
That’s why we’re proud to be part of the Gateway Programme, giving local high school students the opportunity to step out of the classroom and into real-world trades. From plumbing and pumping to electrical work, Gateway students spend time onsite with our teams, learning what the work involves and figuring out whether it’s a path they want to pursue.
Creating a pathway into the trades with Isaac’s and Gateway
For senior high school students considering a career in the trades, nothing beats real-world experience. That’s where Gateway comes in; a nationwide programme connecting students with businesses like Isaac’s to get hands-on learning in the industries they’re most interested in.
Run by the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC), Gateway enables Year 11–13 students to gain structured, practical workplace experience while still working towards their NCEA qualifications. It’s designed to support informed career choices, helping young people understand the realities of the job before committing to full-time training or employment.
https://www.tec.govt.nz/
At Isaac’s, we believe the best way to learn is by doing. Gateway students placed with us don’t just stand around holding tools, they get the chance to observe, assist, and genuinely understand the day-to-day of plumbing, pumping, and electrical work. That might mean shadowing a plumber on a rural callout, helping with a solar installation, or learning how to safely handle specialist gear under supervision. Every day brings a new learning opportunity and that’s part of what makes the experience so valuable.
For us, it’s about more than ticking a box. It’s about opening doors.
Vincent Martin is one of many young people who’ve come through Isaac’s via the Gateway Programme. He’s now an apprentice electrician and a valued member of the Isaac’s team.
“THE GATEWAY EXPERIENCE THROUGH ISAAC’S WAS INCREDIBLE! THE BROAD RANGE OF WORK AND OPPORTUNITIES ALLOWED ME TO MAKE AN INFORMED DECISION ABOUT MY CAREER PATH.
WITHOUT THE GATEWAY EXPERIENCE I WAS FORTUNATE TO RECEIVE, WHO KNOWS WHERE I WOULD HAVE ENDED UP!
IF YOU’RE THINKING ABOUT TRYING IT OUT, I 100% RECOMMEND IT AND GUARANTEE YOU WON’T REGRET IT.”
And he’s not the only one.
“Gateway was awesome for figuring out what I wanted to do after school. Getting to work with a company like Isaac’s and do work experience was so helpful in seeing what I liked about the job.
If you’re thinking about a specific career, I’d totally recommend giving Gateway a shot!”
The transition from school to full-time work can be daunting, but with the right guidance and a bit of hands-on experience, it doesn’t have to be. The Gateway Programme gives students a clear picture of what life on the tools is really like. And if they’re the right fit? We’re always looking for good people to join the Isaac’s crew.
Our involvement with Gateway isn’t just about recruitment. It’s one of the many ways we give back to the community that’s supported us for more than 30 years. Every student we host is an investment in the future of the trades, whether they end up with us or somewhere else, we’re proud to have played a part in their journey.
We believe the future of our industry lies in the hands of the next generation and we’re committed to helping them get started the right way.
Interested in a Gateway placement with Isaac’s?
If you (or someone you know) is a high school student looking to explore a future in the trades, talk to your school’s Gateway Coordinator about a placement with Isaac’s. We’d love to hear from you.