This has involved spending Tuesdays on different orchards in Clyde, Cromwell and Lowburn. I have learnt so much in this time from how to use tools, to plant and prune trees, through to how to use a LUV vehicle safely. I have really enjoyed the practical hands-on learning and the physical nature of the work. I love being outside, working with the team and learning new skills every day. I now know that I really want to gain a job on an orchard when I leave school at the end of the year and to study towards my apprenticeship in horticulture. I would really like to thank Hayden and Chris, for the time and effort they have put into teaching me over the year. They have been really supportive and are really good teachers. The highlight of the work placement for me to date has been the trust Hayden has put in me and feeling responsible. My Gateway Work Placement has been incredibly valuable and rewarding for me. It has allowed me to experience working on an orchard and ensure it is the right job for me to move into.