Gateway placements provide students with invaluable opportunities to explore potential career pathways through authentic workplace experiences. During the July school holidays, current Year 12 student, Bardia Malek 12E2, completed a five-day Gateway placement at Dental Planet Manukau, where he gained first-hand insight into the dental profession. Experiences such as these play an important role in helping students develop practical skills, build confidence, and most importantly, confirm their interests and aspirations for future career pathways. Below, Bardia reflects on his rewarding week and shares what he learned from this valuable experience:

“During the second week of the school holidays, I had the opportunity to complete a one week long Gateway placement at Dental Planet Manukau. I went into the week hoping to gain some work experience and learn how a dental clinic operates, but I came away with far more than I expected. Spending the week working alongside the team gave me a real appreciation for everything that happens behind the scenes beyond your casual 40-minute checkup at the dentist. From helping prepare surgeries and maintaining a sterile environment to working with patients and learning how to use the dentistry software, every day was a chance to learn something new. Some of the highlights of the week for me was visiting the lab and seeing how the impressions and moulds for dentures were made and being able to x-ray real patients myself using the OPG scanner. More than anything, this experience showed me how much teamwork, organisation, and attention to detail goes into delivering great patient care. A huge thank you to Ģ����Ƶ College, especially the Careers Department and Mrs El-Yassir, for making this opportunity possible. I’m also incredibly grateful to Kavya for taking the time to teach me about every aspect of the clinic, and to TJ, Sweety, Ana, and the rest of the team for welcoming me, answering my questions, and making my time at Dental Planet enjoyable and educational.”

~ Bardia Malek 12E2

On Thursday 25 June, I had the opportunity to spend a day at Chapman Tripp, one of New Zealand’s leading law firms, as part of the AUT Shadow a Leader Programme.

Alongside three other students, I developed my networking skills and explored different career pathways while meeting professionals from across the firm’s legal, leadership, and business services teams. One of the highlights of the day was participating in Q&A sessions with team leaders, solicitors, and members of the Senior Leadership Team. Hearing about their day-to-day work, career journeys, and advice for students aspiring to enter the profession provided valuable insight into the many pathways within law and professional services, as well as the opportunities for growth in the sector.

Another standout experience was the personal branding workshop, which encouraged us to think more intentionally about how we present ourselves, our strengths, and our experiences as we prepare for future career opportunities. We also received practical CV advice from the firm’s Talent Acquisition Specialist on how to effectively showcase our skills and experiences to prospective employers.

This experience gave me valuable insight into the legal profession and reinforced the importance of curiosity, effective communication, and adaptability. I am sincerely grateful to Chapman Tripp, AUT, and especially Mr Sharma, (HOD Commerce) for making this opportunity possible and for continued support in helping students gain meaningful industry exposure.

~ Ekam Kaur Minhas 13B7

On Wednesday 24 June, we hosted an Options & Careers Evening for Year 11 students and their whānau. With students soon to make important decisions about their Year 12 programme of study, this was an opportunity to learn more about the option selection process, hear about possible post-school pathways, and talk to Heads of Learning about the courses on offer in 2027.

There was an incredible turnout, and Learning Areas put on engaging displays for students and their whānau – the Technology department even made cookies! It was wonderful to hear students asking important questions to help guide their choices, and to see them really thinking about where they see themselves in the future.

All students in Years 9-12 will be thinking about their option choices over the break. We encourage parents and whānau to talk to their young people about the choices they’re making, and about the careers they’ve been researching as part of their career modules at school.

The option selection portal opens on Monday 20 July and closes on Monday 27 July.

For more, view the Information Evening Powerpoint Presentation.

On Wednesday 10 June, we took eight buses of enthusiastic Year 12 students to the East Auckland Careers Expo at the Howick Leisure Centre.

The expo featured over 40 exhibitors, including universities, polytechnics, and private training providers. Students also connected with employers and organisations from a wide range of industries – healthcare, engineering, IT, trades, creative arts, hospitality, and the armed forces were all represented.

This was a valuable opportunity for students to speak directly with the providers, ask questions, and gather information about study options, apprenticeships, and career pathways.

The East Auckland Careers Expo is more than just an expo – the event served as a launchpad for inspiration, helping students make informed decisions about their futures. We are proud of our students for engaging so positively and making the most of this opportunity.

BDSC is part of an incentive with AUT called the MyFuture programme. We work together to help students get the best out of school and pathway into tertiary education. View a video of our student Robyn Edeams, who participated in the July holiday workshop.

MyFuture is a personal and academic development programme developed by AUT that works with South Auckland secondary students, their schools, families and communities.

What the MyFuture programme does

• Supports regional development goals by establishing clear pathways from secondary school into higher education
• Helps participants increase their academic skills, investigate future career prospects and build aspiration for higher education
• Participants are encouraged to prepare for higher education from a younger age and supported to choose appropriate subjects for their career aspirations
• Includes regular visits to the South Campus to break down perceived barriers to higher education, and establish relationships with student ambassadors who will act as role models

Year 10

Participants cover:

• Teamwork
• Leadership
• Career and subject selection
• An introduction to university life

Year 11

This year builds on the Year 10 programme and focuses on:

• Personal and academic development
• Subject choices and future goals
• Study skills
• NCEA revision

Students and their parents attend four in-school and on-campus workshops.

Year 12

This year focuses on:

• Ensuring that students maintain momentum and aim for excellence
• Tips and strategies to get through Year 12
• Helping students stay motivated and inspired
• Teaching students how to cope when pressure builds up

Year 13

This programme aims to ensure students are ‘Talking the Talk & Walking the Walk’. The team’s aim is to provide students with key communication skills to:

• Enhance their leadership skills
• Equip them for future interviews and networking