Having completed her secondary schooling at Verdon College, Claire successfully applied to undertake the electrical pre apprenticeship course at the Southern Institute of Technology.

In late 2007 she was offered an apprenticeship with Southern Group Training and is seconded to her primary host company, New Zealand Aluminium Smelters Ltd

To complete the Level 4 National Certificate in Electrical Engineering Claire must complete a range of unit standards comprising both theory and practical elements. Claire’s off job theory training has been provided by the Southern Institute of Technology through her attendance at weekly evening classes and through a two week block course each year.

As a Modern Apprentice Claire has her own Modern Apprenticeship Coordinator who has developed an individual Training Plan for her which sets realistic goals and timeframes to achieve them in. The Coordinator meets with Claire on a regular basis and is available as a mentor to both Claire and her supervisor.