After leaving Southland Boys High School in 1994 Andrew spent a number of years in the workforce as an engineering labourer before being promoted into an apprenticeship. During this time his employer was able to ascertain his suitability for an apprenticeship, and Andrew was able to make an informed decision that his preference was for a career in engineering.

Andrew was offered an apprenticeship through Southern Group Training as his employer, George Wilson and Sons, preferred to leave the employment and management of their apprentices to Southern Group Training. Andrew had his own Training Manager who developed an individual training plan for him which set realistic goals and timeframes to achieve them in. The Training Manager met with Andrew on a regular basis and was available as a mentor to both Andrew and his employer.

While it had been some time since Andrew had been at school he applied himself to learning the theory and practical requirements of his Level 4 National Certificate and in 200 4 was the Best Overall Engineering apprentice at the Southern Institute of Technology annual prize giving.