Having completed his secondary schooling at James Hargest College Daniel worked for a period with McDowall Print where he was offered an apprenticeship through Southern Group Training.

To complete the Level 4 National Certificate in Sheet Fed Printing Daniel must complete a range of unit standards comprising both theory and practical elements. Daniel’s off job theory training is being provided through correspondence and a block course each year. The cost of travel and accommodation costs for block courses held outside Southland are paid for by Southern Group Training as Daniel’s employer.

It is important that any apprentice regularly completes their theory workbooks to ensure that they do not fall behind in their apprenticeship. Developing a study plan is an excellent idea.

The theory components of any apprenticeship must be completed before the apprentice can be assessed in the corresponding practical component. Getting behind in the theory can significantly delay the time it takes to complete an apprenticeship. Apprenticeships are competency, rather than time, based.