Jack Hart’s professional journey started with a straightforward decision: he chose physical work over office life. In 2017, while still attending secondary school in Auckland, he enrolled in the BCITO Gateway programme, an initiative designed to let students explore trades before graduation. At the time, he simply wanted a career that kept him active—something that avoided confinement to a desk. Six years later, he now leads his own building company, BlackRock Homes, while also guiding young people entering the trade.
The Gateway programme provided his first real industry exposure. It combines classroom instruction with hands-on experience, linking students directly with local employers. For Hart, a two-week holiday placement with his cousin’s construction firm during his Gateway period confirmed his career direction. His advisor at Botany Downs Secondary College, Nikki Shand-Marcusson, recognized his enthusiasm and arranged an interview with Ashton Build, the company handling renovations on her own home. That meeting led to his first full-time position.
The BCITO’s involvement goes beyond placements. The organization equips schools with educational materials, evaluates training standards, and assists career advisors in connecting students with industry partners. Shand-Marcusson, who serves as the BCITO’s schools liaison, highlights the programme’s broader impact: it teaches young people how to establish achievable goals, accept constructive criticism, and transition into the workforce with greater ease. “Gateway allows them to experience employment, constructive criticism, and gain advice outside the school gates, so leaving those gates is not overwhelming when the time comes,” she says.
Read Also: Best in Build awards now underway
From apprentice to entrepreneur: Hart’s rise
Hart’s advancement was not immediate. After securing his first job, he completed a four-year apprenticeship before advancing to a foreman role. He then transitioned to a different company to work on larger-scale projects, spending three additional years refining his skills and building confidence. By the time he founded BlackRock Homes, he had already earned a strong reputation in the field. “I found myself getting more work opportunities while still employed, so that gave me the confidence to work for myself full time,” he says.
Today, his experience has created a full circle. This year, he has provided work experience to two students and taken on an apprentice—just as the Gateway programme once gave him his initial opportunity. He emphasizes that trades offer something schools cannot: clear progression, autonomy, and measurable results. “You have to be committed,” he acknowledges. “The work is demanding, and the hours are long. But completing a project? That’s the true reward.”
Shand-Marcusson’s satisfaction with Hart’s success extends beyond his career achievements—it reflects the growth in his personal confidence. “I first met him as a Year 11 student searching for practical learning,” she recalls. “Now he’s not only skilled in his trade but also a self-assured young professional.” For Hart, the cycle remains ongoing. His story demonstrates that Gateway does more than provide entry, it constructs entire careers.
Read Also: Granny flat consent exemption changes start Oct 8
Trades close education-to-job gap
Hart’s experience illustrates a larger movement: trades initiatives like Gateway are closing the divide between education and employment, particularly in sectors where practical experience is essential. Unlike traditional educational paths, these programmes offer immediate relevance, no theory exists without application. The outcome? Students like Hart who secure jobs and, more importantly, build lasting careers through hands-on work.
In New Zealand, the construction industry faces a persistent labor shortage. Programmes like Gateway address this gap by preparing students for direct entry into high-need fields. Participants learn project management, teamwork, and problem-solving, competencies that extend far beyond technical abilities. For Hart, the transition from student to business owner was seamless because he had already mastered these fundamentals during his Gateway placement. “The programme didn’t just teach me how to build,” he states. “It taught me how to run a business.”
Critics argue that trades education remains undervalued in a society that often prioritizes academic achievement. However, Hart’s trajectory challenges that perception. His company, BlackRock Homes, has provided opportunities for young people entering the trade, just as he once received support. Such success stories align with Gateway’s mission to prepare students for careers in the trades.
Read Also: Pipelines stall as homeowners delay building
Mentoring the next generation of builders
Hart’s mentorship of current students mirrors the support he once received. He now spends one day each week at Botany Downs Secondary College, sharing insights about a career in the trades and the realities of the construction industry. His advice is straightforward: “Start early, stay curious, and don’t wait for permission.” This philosophy aligns with Gateway’s core mission, to remove barriers and accelerate opportunities for young people.
For Hart, the most meaningful aspect of his journey is the ability to give back. “I tell students that trades aren’t just about building houses,” he says. “They’re about building lives.” His own life now reflects that principle, one where education, experience, and enterprise intersect to create lasting impact.
