Before starting Gateway this year I thought that I wanted to be an electrician. After this work placement I realised I wanted to do something where I can design electrical circuits and devices and also build them.

Careers I researched were electrician, mechanic and engineering technician

I did taster days at a mechanics Timaru Branch Toyota Service Centre and at Laser Electrical. I decided to choose electrician and was placed at Laser Electrical for one day a week. At Laser we mostly worked offsite at either houses, farms or businesses. Some of the usual tasks I did involved testing and tagging electronics, installing plugs and switches, replacing lights and running cable. I also completed some electrical unit standards through Skills Organisation with both theory and practical assessments which had to be signed off by a qualified electrician at Laser.  I think the units count towards a pre trade course.

Next year I am going to Ara Institute in Christchurch to study electrical engineering, I also plan to get some paid work experience on the days I am not on course.