Kristen van Berkel

For Kristen, the highlight of the Building programme has been the freedom to design, plan and work on projects of her own choice. So far she’s made two stools, a chopping board and is currently working on a desk that she can use at home. “We have much more freedom here at NMIT – you plan your own work and decide on the projects that you want. We definitely have to be more independent, but the tutors are always available to give us help and advice. They understand that we all have different skill levels and they’re always relaxed, easy-going and friendly.”

Kristen is focused on pursuing a career in the building trade and is planning to complete a work placement with a local building company later this year. After that she hopes to gain either an apprenticeship or study pre-Trades Building at NMIT in 2019.