A former student of Menzies College, Jade enrolled in the July 2007 ACE Engineering programme which was held over 20, instead of the usual 38, weeks at the Southern Institute of Technology. The condensed pre apprenticeship programme allowed Jade to complete all the requirements of the programme in a shorter period of time, thus allowing him to begin his apprenticeship earlier than previously would have been the case.

Southern Group Training employed Jade as an Industry Trainee for the duration of the ACE programme and placed him in full time paid work experience with different companies for four, two week periods of time.

Jade was able to earn a basic wage, which was paid out to him over the duration of programme. All the ACE Trainees were required to complete a weekly timesheet regardless of whether they were on work experience or at the Southern Institute of Technology. Failure to produce the timesheet on time would result in a delay in the Trainee being paid.

Having successfully completed all the requirements of the programme Jade was offered an apprenticeship with Southern Group Training which placed him with Scott Sheetmetal in Gore to complete the remaining Level 3 and Level 4 practical unit standards.