FITEC's Gateway Programme

FITEC currently has the Gateway Programme running for the Furniture sector, and are actively working toward establishing Gateway for both the Forestry and Wood Processing/Manufacturing Sectors.

Unit Standards for each of the sectors suitable to being taught in schools have been identified. These Unit Standards could also be achieved through the Gateway Programme. Unit Standards additional to those identified may also be achieved depending on the placement company. Training material to support these Units is currently under development. If you would like a copy of these Unit Standards, please contact us.

If you have students interested in a Gateway placement in Forestry or Wood Manufacturing, please contact us. Although Gateway is not yet established for these sectors, if we identify schools that have students with an active interest we will target them first to set up a placement.

What Does a Gateway Placement in the Wood Industry Lead To?

The Unit Standards you achieve while conducting your Gateway Placement will set you up for a journey down a number of exciting career paths. Your placement will give you insight into the Wood Manufacturing industry, and more of an idea of which area you might like to specialise in.

It is important to make the most of your Gateway experience. You will be working in a ‘real’ work setting, learning the values and expectations within a work place. You will have the opportunity to develop a relationship with your employer. If you impress your employer during your placement, you may end up with a job offer. Remember also that the opposite applies!

While on Gateway placement there are a few things that will be expected of you:

• To keep up to speed with the school lessons you will miss while on placement.
• To represent your school in a positive manner while carrying out your placement.
• To listen to instructions and use tools and equipment in a safe and responsible manner.
• To behave in a way that neither you nor others are put at risk by your actions.
  

The initial jobs you could expect to be employed in if you chose to pursue a career in the wood industry after your Gateway Placement are listed in the ‘Schools to Job’ sections of the Career Paths area of this website.