Seven of our Gateway students joined forty others from Otago Schools to attend the BCITO Big Construction Tour last week. 

Students had an action packed day that included visits and hands on activities at the following sites:

Leith Joinery - computer design and machine manufacturing of high end cabinets with a range of finishes. They specialise in bespoke joinery. Students assembled window joints.

Wood Solutions - automated machining of wood and manual finishing on wood products. Students put wood through the biggest Thicknesser Sander) in New Zealand.

Jennian Homes - Visit to Mosgiel show home and homes under construction. Students worked with a bricklayer to assemble a small part of a wall on a new build.

Resene Paint and Paper - Students got a rundown on paint and wallpaper finishes and had the opportunity to test their skills at wall papering. 

Carpet Court - Visiting the main warehouse students undertook measuring cutting and laying lino and carpet for a scale model floor plan learning the golden rule of measure twice cut once.

With a Trades shortage in New Zealand Thursday was about exploring the cross section of apprenticeships that BCITO look after. We were very well looked after as BCITO staff drove us to venues throughout the day and provided an outstanding lunch.