I started Gateway with the intention of trying out a career as a diesel mechanic. I started the programme in Term 3 of last year and completed the StartUp Ignition Programme with MITO while attending Prestige Commercial Vehicles for work experience, I helped with truck maintenance and repair work. This year I wanted to look at the agricultural side and spent taster days with Cochranes Farm Machinery and Drummond and Etheridge. I really enjoyed this and was lucky enough to start a Gateway placement with Drummond and Etheridge. I signed up for the MITO Accelerate Gateway Programme and completed 21 Level 3 Automotive Engineering credits which count towards my NCEA qualification at school but also count towards my apprenticeship qualification. 

My work experience led to 3 weeks of holiday work. I left school at the start of Term 3 and signed straight into a MITO apprenticeship with my Gateway employer. I will work on agricultural equipment in the workshop and will travel all around South Canterbury fixing machinery and maintaining equipment. I’m very grateful for the opportunity Gateway has given me; I have had the chance to try out a career, have finished school with Level 3 NCEA and have already made a start on my apprenticeship.