My thoughts before starting Gateway this year were that I was nervous starting something new but I was excited because I was going to be able to go out to a workplace for one day a week. 

I had taster days at Parr and Co, B J Scarlett, Timaru Honda and Cochranes Farm Machinery before I decided on engineering for my placement.  I go to B J Scarlett’s for one day every week, jobs I have done at Scarlett’s include welding, grinding, assembly of bale feeders and lots more. 

I am registered with Competenz and have engineering unit standards to work on in my workplace and in my Gateway class.  A Competenz workplace assessor visits me at work just like an apprentice and the 21 engineering credits I gain this year will count towards NCEA Level 2 and will also count towards a future apprenticeship. 

 I would like to leave school this year and start an apprenticeship