I am doing my work experience at JMac Joinery every Thursday, I work with both their kitchen, bathroom unit area and their hardwood area where they make chairs and tables.

Before starting Gateway I had no idea what I wanted to do when I leave school. The careers I researched were joinery, construction and air conditioning repair and installation. My first taster day was with Masterchill, I enjoyed it there but decided it was not for me. My second taster day was with Paterson Joinery, I enjoyed it working with the team. I then went to Steven Brooks Building where I worked with three of the employees to tear down a fence. I then had a fourth taster day with Barrett Joinery so that I could decide whether I wanted to work with a bigger group. I decided that working with a smaller team would be better for me. I chose joinery to be the industry that I would like to work in.

At work experience I help in the kitchen area putting kitchen units together, I  have also worked in the hardwood area where I cut timber for the new seats in Temuka.  At school I am working on BCITO units which include Knowledge of Carpentry, Joinery, Hand Tools and others; the credits I gain through BCITO also count towards NCEA. Every so often someone from BCITO comes to assess and talk with me about the units I have done. My plans for next year are hopefully getting an apprenticeship in joinery and if I do not get an apprenticeship I will most likely come back to school to get Level 3. If I could give any advice for future Gateway students I would say to ask lots of questions when in the workplace.