The industry I selected was the building industry. I chose this industry because my taster day went really well and I wanted to learn more and could see myself becoming a full time builder, it really interests me and I want to learn more about it.

Before starting Gateway this year I had a clear idea of what I wanted to do when I left school, I either wanted to become a builder or an electrician and I thought Gateway was a great idea to explore my two options further to get a greater understanding of what the two jobs entailed. Gateway taster day trials were a great way to see what different industries are like and what industries do and don't interest me, Gateway is a great way to develop my understanding of the work environment

The careers I researched were builder, electrician and automotive electrician. For my first taster day I went to Bright Sparks, this was a great opportunity to learn more about cars and what an automotive electrician does. My second Gateway day was with Aotea Electrical learning what electricians do and my third taster day was with Cooper Building. I really enjoyed all of my taster days, I picked building as my placement to further learn about the job.

My work placement is with Cooper Building, I go there every Friday. Some of the jobs I have done so far are fittings and flashing around windows, fitting windows and doors, I have measured and cut studs and dwangs, cut and fitted polystyrene, lined walls and much more.  I like the comradery and banter while working hard to complete the task

I am registered with the Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation (BCITO).  I have workbooks to complete in class; the BCITO assessor comes into school to assess my theory work, he will also visit me in my workplace just like an apprentice.  I keep a work experience diary every week to record evidence of my practical experience.

My plan for the future is to do a building apprenticeship, the units I do in Gateway will help with my future qualification.

Gateway is a great opportunity to further my career and further my understanding before going into the working industry.