Connect With Us
We make it easy for students to get the help they need when they need it.
Book a careers appointment online anytime via the Careers Website
Drop in before or after school or during breaks for quick advice
Ask anything at “Ask Me Anything Friday” (Friday lunchtimes)
Find us: Student Services Building (opposite the Uniform Shop), browse the brochure racks - there’s something for everyone.
Parents & caregivers welcome at all appointments - all meeting notes are uploaded to Career Central for families to view
We Offer
Practical tools, real experiences, and expert guidance designed to help every student move forward with confidence.
At Westlake, students have access to a wide range of career exploration opportunities:
University Visits: Representatives from all 8 New Zealand universities visit our school in Terms 1 & 3 to provide information about courses and pathways.
Job Junction Programme: In Term 2, different Industry Training Organisations deliver lunchtime sessions discussing pathways in their trades. Providers include ATT – Plumbing, ETCO – Electrical, BCITO – Building, NZ Marine and Composites – Boat Building, and others.
Lunchtime Presentations: Throughout the year, external guests, our alumni and members of our community share their study and work experiences, giving students real-life insights into different career paths.
These experiences help students explore options, plan their future, and connect with people who can guide them on their journey.
Individual Careers Support
One-to-one career conversations for all students
Early, proactive support for Year 13 students
Help with subject choices, pathways, and next-step planning
CVs, job hunting support, and part-time work advice
Careers Website
This is the easiest way to stay informed throughout the year.
Local & national career related events
Tertiary updates
Pathway information
Relevant articles from trusted, reliable sources
Ideas and inspiration for students and families
Career Central
In addition to the information-packed Westlake careers website, the team utilise a careers tool called Career Central. On this students are able to do career research and planning, quizzes to help them narrow down what they will do when they leave school, write a CV and cover letter and much more. All students will receive 4-6 lessons per year on Career Central in their Virtute sessions. The boys will have this as part of their career exploration and pathway planning, following them through to Year 13. It is also a great place for them to record and keep track of all of the activities they have been involved with while at Westlake so they are able to include these on their CV. Make sure you ask your son what he has been doing on this. It is a great place to start for parents and caregivers having career conversations with their sons.
Gateway
Gateway is a Year 13 subject that allows students to experience a career pathway firsthand. A work placement with an employer, combined with pathway research and CV and cover-letter development, helps students build practical skills and prepare for life beyond school.
You can find more information on our career's website.
Gateway
STAR Courses
Hands-on, 1-5 day tasters for Year 12 & 13 students wanting to explore new interests or build new skills during school holidayd.
Courses include:
Cyber Security / Programming
Audio & Music Production
Barista, Café Service & Café Cooking
Animal Care
First Aid
Barbering
Game Design
Intro to On-Screen Acting
Other courses may be available to meet the interests of students.
You can find more information on our career's website.
HOD Careers/Careers Practitioner
Mr Andrew Berry
Contact: 09 410 8667 ext 5267 or e-mail: [email protected]
Gateway Co-ordinator
Mrs Helen Martin
Contact: 09 410 8667 ext 5258 or e-mail: [email protected]
Careers and STAR Administrator
Ms Kelly Morrell
Contact: 09 410 8667 ext 5258 or e-mail: [email protected]