After leaving St Peters College Ben applied for an apprenticeship with Southern Group Training which placed him with Gore Sheetmetal for his on job practical training.

The theory elements of Ben’s qualification are taught through weekly evening classes at the Southern Institute of Technology.

Regular attendance is necessary if apprentices are to complete their qualification in the best timeframe.

Once Ben has completed the theory assessment for a unit standard he is then able to be assessed in the practical elements, provided that he is able to prove that he is competent in the various tasks.

To achieve practical competency he has to be able to complete the required practical tasks consistently well, unsupervised, in a commercial timeframe, using safe work practices.

This level of competency is gained through practical work experience on job and through a series of block courses. Ben’s Training Manager is a qualified workplace assessor and is able to undertake regular workplace assessment of his work.