Before starting Gateway this year I wasn’t exactly sure what I wanted to be. After researching careers and talking to other people I decided that I wanted to do something trade-related and hands-on.

At the start of the programme we got to do three taster days at different companies. The three that I chose were painting - Ranger Specialist Coatings and electrician - Aotea Electric and Murray Brown Electrical. I chose to go down the electrical path and have my placement with Murray Brown Electrical every Thursday.

While I am with them I do a range of tasks, including stripping wires, running wires for lights and power in new builds, replacing wires and switches in houses and fitting off power points. My learning plan includes Skills Organisation Electrical assessments; I do theory work in class on the days I am at school and have practical tasks to be signed off at my workplace. My workbooks get sent away to be marked and then I receive my results. So far all of my workbooks have been worth credits so that helps towards my Level 2 NCEA. Taking Gateway helps me to see what it would be like to be an apprentice.

So far my plans for next year are to find an apprenticeship and if not I will most likely come back to school for Year 13 and then get an apprenticeship or I will go to Ara and study to become an electrician there.