More Resources/ FAQs

If you've got a question about in-transit or anything on the website check out these frequently asked questions. Someone else might have already asked it and the answer could be right here. If it's not, just send us an email and we'll find the answer for you.

Q What's in-transit about?  

A In-transit is the name for a whole bunch of Government help, advice and services designed to help young people get into jobs, study and training when they leave school.  

Q Who's behind in-transit?  

A A group of different Government agencies. These agencies are Ministry of Social Development, Department of Labour, Ministry of Education, Tertiary Education Commission, Ministry of Youth Development and Career Services.  

Q Who's the site for?  

A All young people really. But it's mostly for people at secondary school that want to get somewhere when they leave school. If you're not sure what you want to do, or you want to get a job you like when you finish studying, then the site is for you.  

Q What's Youth Transition Services?  

A Youth Transition Services can help some young people make a better transition from school to work. You might need further education or training, career advice and guidance or personal support. If you do they can help.  

Q Where are Youth Transition Services located?  

A By 2007 there will be Youth Transition Services in 14 places across New Zealand. Right now we're up and running in these places:
Whangarei (People Potential Ltd); Waitakere City (Youth Horizons Trust, supported by Hoani Waititi Marae); Rotorua (Te Waiariki Purea Trust); New Plymouth (Tui Ora Ltd); Porirua City (Partners Porirua and The Learning Shop).  

Q Who runs Youth Transition Services?  

A The Government and local Councils are behind the service. But the help you get is from organisations in your community with the experience and know-how to work with young people and help them make good choices for the future.  

Q Can I get help and advice from Youth Transition Services if there isn't one in my area?  

A No, but this website has lots of information and links to other places you can go for advice and help.  

Q How do I get in touch with Youth Transition Services?  

A If you live in one of the places where the services are provided you can contact the organisation directly. You can also get in touch through Work and Income, or ask your teacher or guidance counsellor if you are still at school.  

Q What sorts of things can Youth Transition Services help me with?  

A Career planning and advice as well as information about apprenticeships, training for a career and what work is available locally. They can also support you to get other skills you might need like a drivers' licence, first aid certificate or reading, writing and maths skills.  

Q What's STAR?  

A STAR is short for Secondary Tertiary Alignment Resource. STAR helps schools provide courses that aren't part of the basic school curriculum.  

Q What types of STAR courses can you do?  

A Many schools use STAR to offer industry related or industry based courses to senior students in things like hospitality, retail and different trades. These could be at your school, at a work place or at another training organisation, like a polytech or university. Schools also use STAR to give students very short 'taster' courses to get a better idea of what an industry or job is like.  

Q How can I do a STAR course?  

A Most schools can offer STAR courses but they have different ways of deciding what courses they offer. If you're interested in a particular subject or industry and you'd like to study while you're at school, talk to your careers or transition teacher, or your dean. It's the best way to get more information on STAR.  

Q I'm 22. Can I enrol in a Modern Apprenticeships programme?  

A You might be able to - it depends on your situation. Sometimes the Tertiary Education Commission does take on Modern Apprentices over the age of 21. If you're older than 21 and would really like to enrol in a Modern Apprenticeship programme contact your nearest Modern Apprenticeships Co-ordinator. You can find them here.  

Q How long does it take to do a Modern Apprenticeship?  

A Two to four years. It depends on the industry or business you chose and what you need to do to complete your qualification.  

Q What's the difference between a 'Modern Apprentice' and an 'Industry Trainee'?  

A Industry trainees are just like Modern Apprentices, except you won't have a Modern Apprenticeships Co-ordinator to help and mentor you through your study. And Industry Trainees can be any age.  

Q How do I find out what kind of apprenticeships I can do?  

A You can find out if a Modern Apprenticeships programme is available in the industry you're interested in, by clicking here.  

Q Does it cost anything to use Career Services?  

A All the information and advice from CareerPoint and CareerCentres is free and it doesn't cost anything to visit the KiwiCareers website or use the Pathfinder tool.

If you need extra guidance and planning services or you want them to prepare a CV for you, you'll need to spend time with a Career Consultant. The cost of this depends on the service and the amount of time it takes. They can tell you how much it might cost. If you meet certain criteria, an appointment with a consultant may be free. Check with your local CareerCentre.  

Q Can Career Services help me find a job?  

A Career Services can't find you a job but they can point you in the right direction, give you job search tips or put you in touch with recruitment agencies.  

Q What's Gateway?  

A Gateway gives secondary students the opportunity to get work experience and learn new skills by working in a local business while they're at school.  

Q Who can do the Gateway programme?  

A If you're a Year 11-13 school student at a school that offers Gateway you can apply for the programme. More than 180 schools are involved.  

Q What do Gateway students do that's different?  

A If you're a Gateway student you'll usually spend one day a week, during the school year, working in a local business.  

Q Do Gateway students get paid?  

A No, you won't get paid, but you'll gain skills and work experience that may help you get a job later, as well as National Qualifications Framework credits.  

Q How do I get into the Gateway programme?  

A Decide on the type of job or industry you'd like to be in and maybe some local businesses or firms you'd like to work at. Then go and talk to your careers advisor, teacher, or Gateway co-ordinator and let them know you're keen. A staff member at school will interview you first. Once you get the okay you'll have an interview with the employer. Together you'll create a plan and decide when you'll work.