Building pathways from school to career.  

Ventia’s Gateway Programme provides high school students with meaningful, hands-on experience across key sectors including telecommunications, transport, water, and energy. Delivered in partnership with schools, the programme enables students to spend time on-site with Ventia teams while contributing to real projects.

“Our Gateway Programme reflects a clear commitment to investing in young people across Aotearoa,” says Damian Pedreschi, Ventia Group Executive.

Students earn NCEA credits on-site, creating a direct pathway from education into employment, while strengthening their connection to the regions where they live and work.

Inspiring the next generation, especially young women

Alongside the Gateway Programme, Ventia is actively supporting initiatives like Girls in Infrastructure, delivered through its partnership with Infrastructure New Zealand.

These experiences are designed to encourage more young women to explore careers in infrastructure, an industry where increasing female representation remains a priority.

Over 200 students in Northland and Wellington have taken part in hands-on activities, as well as hearing directly from Ventia employees about their own career journeys. From operating equipment to learning how infrastructure systems work, the sessions provide a practical and inspiring introduction to the sector. 

Real experience, real connection

Through both programmes, students gain a deeper understanding of the essential work Ventia delivers every day, from maintaining transport networks and water systems to supporting energy and telecommunications infrastructure.

Just as importantly, they build connections with the people behind this work and begin to see a clear pathway into meaningful, long-term careers.

Ventia will continue to share updates from these programmes, highlighting student experiences and showcasing the impact of investing in future talent.