Gary began the journey through his apprenticeship by doing the Level 2 National Certificate in Fabrication Welding at the Southern Institute of Technology in 2001. During this time he was offered an engineering apprenticeship with Southern Group Training on placed on secondment with E Type Engineering.

During his apprenticeship Gary completed his theory introductions, and some practical assessments, at weekly evening classes and on an annual three week block course at S.I.T. while developing his practical competency in the workplace.

Gary has worked on a variety of sites doing a range of work including maintenance items at the Rayonier MDF plant, patching pontoons at Milford Sound, and replacing handrails and ladders on the chimney stack at NZAS. Engineering apprenticeships require the completion of a minimum of 6000 hours practical workplace experience along with the required unit standards. Gary completed his apprenticeship in early 2005 and is now employed as a Heavy Fabrication Engineer with E Type Engineering.