My learning plan for Gateway includes BCITO worksheets including carpentry, joinery, workplace safety, hand and power tools, construction materials and communication. The BCITO Training Adviser visits me at school and in the workplace to assess my work just like an apprentice.

My thoughts before starting gateway this year were to find something I wanted to do with my life when I leave school and to try something new. The careers I chose to research were construction worker, joiner and electrician, unfortunately because of covid I only got to go to two taster days. My first taster day was with Steven Brooks Building, throughout that day I worked with one of Stevens employees and I really enjoyed it. My next taster day was with Murray Brown Electrical, I didn't enjoy it as much as building but it was good to try it instead of limiting my options and regretting it later. The industry I chose to work with for the rest of the year was building. My work placement is with Steven Brooks Building.

I go to work experience every Wednesday, I have learnt new skills and I’m hoping to learn more. The job involves hands on work and working with a team of people to get the job done. When I’m on site I help where ever I’m needed, I do a lot of smaller jobs like clearing and moving things. I am hoping to get an apprenticeship when I leave school, if I don’t find one this year I will go to Ara and do a course through them to get to where I would like to be. My little bit of advice for future gateway students is to keep working for what you want in life.