Saim's headed in the right direction

Have you ever wondered what’s happening behind the construction fences in the heart of Avondale town centre? While 'Te Hono' is a brand-new, state-of-the-art community centre and library is taking shape, something just as important is being built alongside it: real-world experience for students through Avondale College’s Gateway Programme.

Designed to give students hands-on learning and exposure to future career pathways, the Gateway Programme is making a tangible difference in how young people explore their options beyond school. For Year 13 student Saim Atif, it has been a game changer.

Like many students, Saim wasn’t sure what came next after school. “I didn’t really know what I wanted to study at university,” he says. “I just wanted to get an idea of different pathways.”

Encouraged by friends, he joined Gateway to gain practical experience, starting with a retail placement at Bunnings, which sparked his interest in the trades. Gateway then connected Saim with the project manager of Te Hono, placing him on-site at one of Avondale’s most exciting new developments - a three-storey community centre and library designed to serve the area for generations.

A typical day begins with signing in on-site and checking in with his supervisor before getting started on tasks. From there, Saim works alongside a variety of professionals.

“I had the opportunity to work alongside builders, electricians and structural engineers,” he says. “It showed me what a real construction site is like and how different people work together and communicate to complete a project.”

The experience is already shaping his future. Although he hasn’t finalised his plans, Saim feels more confident about what comes next.

“It’s helped me narrow down my options,” he says. “After high school, I want to keep focusing on my studies and look for more opportunities to gain hands-on experience."

Gateway has also opened his eyes to alternative pathways. “Learning while I earn would be ideal,” Saim says. “Not having a student loan would be amazing. Debt can follow you for a long time and make it harder to buy a house one day."

For Saim, being part of a project that will benefit the community makes the experience even more rewarding.

“It’s so cool to be part of something that will serve the community for generations,” he says. “One day I’ll be able to say to my kids, 'I worked on this!'”

For students unsure about their future, Saim has simple advice:

“Take advantage of opportunities like Gateway. Even if you don’t know what you want to do, it helps you explore different industries, learn new skills, and work with others.”

For students like Saim, the Gateway Programme isn’t just an opportunity - it’s a launchpad.