Gateway Students Share Their Experience

By OBHS | Posted: Thursday October 30, 2025

This week, another two of our Gateway students are stepping forward to share their stories. Read on to find out what their latest placements have taught them and how the Gateway programme is shaping their futures.

Ashton Hansen - EB Engineering

I have really enjoyed my time working at EB Engineering with Nick Wansink and the team. Throughout my placement, I’ve gained a wide range of new skills and developed a strong understanding of what it’s like to work in the mechanical engineering industry.

A highlight for me was improving my MIG welding technique—just a few small adjustments made a big difference in the quality of my welds. I also learned how to safely and effectively operate the tube laser cutter, which was an awesome experience.

It’s been great working alongside a skilled team, including Rob, Jack, Ollie, Nick W, John, and of course Nick himself. Each person brought a different set of strengths, and getting the chance to learn from them all has helped me figure out which areas I’m most passionate about within the trade.

I’ve also appreciated the early 7:00 a.m. starts and finishing at 3:15 p.m. The days go quickly, with just two breaks, and I enjoy the structure and pace of the work environment.

This Gateway experience has confirmed my passion for engineering and played a big role in my decision to accept a place at Otago Polytechnic for 2026 to study Mechanical Engineering. Being in a real-world setting and working with professionals has made me even more excited about this career path and motivated me to keep developing my skills.

I’d like to give a huge thank you to Nick Wansink for the opportunity to be part of EB Engineering through my Gateway placement at Otago Boys’ High School. I’ve learned so much and truly appreciated the support from the entire team. They guided me through every task, encouraged me to grow, and helped me become a more confident and capable future engineer. I hope I get the chance to work with Nick and the team again in the future.

I would highly recommend the Gateway Programme at OBHS to any student wanting real-world experience in a career they’re passionate about.

Izaah Iosefo - Steve Mowat Building & Construction

I have really enjoyed my time working at Steve Mowat Building & Construction and have learned a wide range of new skills—such as how to use a skill saw, build boxing efficiently, use a concrete chipper, and even drive a manual truck.

I’ve used all sorts of different tools, including a skill saw, nail gun, screwdriver, chisel, hammer, concrete chipper, and many more. I’ve had the opportunity to work on three different worksites: building the new Chester Plumbing and Bathroom Centre, a house in Port Chalmers, and working inside First Church.

Working at different sites has given me the privilege of working with a variety of people and learning new skills from each of them, which has been awesome.

At this company, we start early—7:30 a.m. and finish at 4:30 p.m. It’s a nine-hour day with two half-hour breaks, which is great. Overall, this has been a fantastic experience and opportunity. I want to thank Steve Mowat for giving me the chance to work and learn at his company.

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