Before starting Gateway I had an idea of what I wanted to do but was not certain. I felt Gateway was a good way for me to make my next step into the workforce and to get some experience under my belt

Before starting my Gateway placement I completed a Workplace Safety and First Aid course with Pro Med. Once in Gateway I selected the 3 trades that I would like to further investigate which were carpentry, plumbing and heavy diesel mechanics. Once I had selected these 3 trades I was sent to them for a taster day so I could get a feel for them and see if it was the trade for me or not . I had my taster days at Stu Heap Building, Power Farming and South Canterbury Plumbing. I really enjoyed the taster days but building was a clear standout for me. I have started my work experience placement with Stu Heap Building every Thursday.

I really enjoy doing work experience because of the variety of work they do and how much I learn. I have done 4 days with Stu and have already learned a lot of stuff and learned many techniques. The sites that I have been working on have all been renovations which means that I get to learn lots of different things such as how walls are straightened and how new stairs are installed. I really enjoy building because it is very hands on, physical learning which I love.

Tasks I have done include gibbing walls, installing a staircase, batting walls and ceiling, framing and installing spouting. All these jobs were unfamiliar to me at the start and now I can explain how it is done and how it works.

Since I have chosen building I am registered with (BCITO) Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation and am assigned with theory workbooks which I complete in class. These work books are related to building and give me a better understanding of things such as materials, tools and techniques. Once I finish these units Richard from BCITO comes in to assess me and marks my papers off. All my papers are worth credits which count towards NCEA and also help me with my apprenticeship