I was fortunate to be assigned to BuildMe Dunedin for my Gateway placement.

I travel across the city to help with either small jobs or refurbishments and rebuilds, furthering my hands on work, along with learning an extreme variety of new techniques and skills.

I work with an awesome team of 4 builders, 2 painters and 2 apprentices (former OBHS boys).  I hope to join a building company and start my apprenticeship over the next couple of years.  Rhys and the team have started me off by teaching me the basic skills of measuring and cutting, along with using the electrical and battery operated tools.

As the weeks go by, I will gain much more knowledge as these builders know what they're talking about.

If you're looking for a future in the trades, I would highly recommend getting involved with the Gateway programme.  It simply sets you up and gives an insight into the specific trade you are interested in.