Summary

Gateway (established 2001) and Trades Academies (established 2010) are complementary programmes that support vocational education in secondary schools. Gateway offers short-term, work-based placements aligned with student interests, while Trades Academies provide longer-term, structured learning in trades-related fields. Both aim to increase student retention, raise NCEA Level 2 achievement, and support transitions into further education and employment.

This report monitors the outcomes of both programmes by tracking two cohorts of students (aged 16 in 2014 and 2018) to ages 24 and 20 respectively. Outcomes for students in each programme were compared with similar students who were not in either, having controlled for their different background characteristics.

Key findings

Education outcomes: Both programmes increased the likelihood of students staying in education at age 17 and achieving a Level 2 or higher qualification by age 18. These effects were consistent across genders and ethnic groups.

Pathways to vocational education: Men in both programmes were more likely to enrol in and complete apprenticeships, though rates remained lower for Māori and Pacific men. Women’s apprenticeship participation remained low.

Employment outcomes: Both programmes reduced the likelihood of being in limited employment and increased students being in substantial employment, particularly for men. Gateway had a stronger effect than Trades Academies in reducing limited employment for women, especially Māori and Pacific women.

Māori students: Outcomes for Māori students in both programmes were generally strong and similar to all students. However, differences remained in apprenticeship and employment outcomes, particularly for Māori women.

Pacific students: Pacific students had similar education outcomes to all students but were less likely to enter apprenticeships. Pacific women experienced weaker employment outcomes and low participation in apprenticeships. Neither programme significantly improved these.

Similar outcomes: The outcomes for students of Gateway and Trades Academies were very similar, even though they offer different kinds of activities to support different student needs and interests.

Ongoing benefits: The positive effects of both programmes, especially in education and for men’s employment, were sustained over time. Effects for women in employment were less consistent.

Expanding Trades Academies: The effectiveness of Trades Academies has been maintained since the number of places were increased from 2019. Outcomes for the 2018 cohort were as good as or better than those for the 2014 cohort.

COVID-19 resilience: There is some evidence that participation in either programme helped protect students, particularly women, from negative educational impacts during the pandemic.