After completing his secondary schooling at James Hargest College Andrew successfully applied to undertake the engineering pre apprenticeship course at the Southern Institute of Technology. In 2006 he was offered an apprenticeship with Southern Group Training and has been placed on secondment with Robert Stone Ltd.
To complete the Level 4 National Certificate in Maintenance & Diagnostics Engineering Andrew must complete a range of unit standards comprising both theory and practical elements. Andrew’s off job theory training has been provided by S.I.T through his attendance at evening class and a three week block course each year.
An apprenticeship offers the opportunity to gain a tertiary qualification at Level 4 without needing to take on a student debt. Apprentices are paid as they learn. Southern Group Training, as employer, pays for Andrew’s Training Manual, his evening class and block course fees, and pays him while he is attending his annual three week block course. Travel and accommodation costs for block courses held outside Southland are also covered.