[sunnyb]

Hi, it's hard to get the timing right for everyone in the family and it looks like my step son will arrive in NZ just as he's turning 16, but won't have taken any of his exams in the UK by that time.

He is a bright young man who is passionate about boats and wants to study or work as an apprentice in one of the many fields of boating - he's great at woodwork, electronics etc but also a keen sailor and doodles with boat designs as a hobby so there are a range of jobs he could ultimately want to go into.

Do you think we should try to fast track him through GCSE's here before coming over or will there be opportunities for him when he gets there? I know colleges or companies here wouldn't look favourably on someone arriving in the country with no qualifications, but am hoping his hard work and enthusiasm may make up for it in NZ.

Thanks, B

[IanW99]

Hi, it's hard to get the timing right for everyone in the family and it looks like my step son will arrive in NZ just as he's turning 16, but won't have taken any of his exams in the UK by that time.

He is a bright young man who is passionate about boats and wants to study or work as an apprentice in one of the many fields of boating - he's great at woodwork, electronics etc but also a keen sailor and doodles with boat designs as a hobby so there are a range of jobs he could ultimately want to go into.

Do you think we should try to fast track him through GCSE's here before coming over or will there be opportunities for him when he gets there? I know colleges or companies here wouldn't look favourably on someone arriving in the country with no qualifications, but am hoping his hard work and enthusiasm may make up for it in NZ.

Thanks, B

You don't say the likely hood of him actually passing the GCSEs, have you discussed this with his teachers?

If he is likely to do well or at least pass them, then I would see what you can do about getting him to sit them, whether it is early or he stays behind a few months as it would be a shame to waste his work.

If he turns 16 by the time you arrive in NZ then it is likely that the schools won't be interested in letting him attend as he is considered too old - although this may depend on the school concerned.

If he doesn't have any qualifications at all (UK or NZ), he will still be able to do a 'bridging' course and then move onto university assuming that is something that he wants to do. If he has a PR then he will only be charged at domestic rates.

If he does want to get into working with boats then there should be plenty of opportunities for him in the Wellington region at the various harbours.

Ian

[sunnyb]

Thanks Ian. He's predicted for high grades so I'll see if we can get him a tutor and fast track him through before we come, but it's good to know that all is not lost if we can't for any reason.

Many thanks, B

[westi]

Just to say, my son came over aged 17 and was accepted into year 13 at the local high school, so if your son decides he wants to finish his education in NZ it would be worth you ringing some schools to see if they will accept hinm.