The careers I researched were farming, building and shearing sheep. I chose farming and have my placement with Newtons on Waipopo Farm, it is a cropping farm but they also have stock.

My thoughts before starting Gateway this year were that I was going to do a building apprenticeship but I ended up choosing to explore farming instead. I lived on a farm for 9 years and I enjoy being outdoors around sheep, cattle, tractors and the countryside so I decided this would be something I would enjoy.

I tried taster days on two cropping farms and one sheep/cattle farm. At this time of year the jobs that I have been doing are looking after the animals, moving their breaking fences, drenching the one year old lambs and checking if they are sick or injured.

I have completed a workplace Health and Safety course, a First Aid Course and I am now working on agriculture assessments through Telford. These count towards NCEA.

When I leave school I would like to work on a farm. I am hoping to get a job by the end of the year. I enjoy driving tractors and working on sheep and beef farms but would like any farming position.

My advice for anybody considering Gateway next year is to take Gateway and to look at and explore the jobs you enjoy doing.