John attended Gore High School for three years before securing work at Sheet Metalcraft as an engineering labourer. John spent several months in the workforce during which time the company was able to check out his suitability to be considered for an apprenticeship, and he was able to make a more informed decision as to whether a career in engineering was for him.

Jo hn was offered an apprenticeship with Southern Group Training and seconded to Sheet Metalcraft where he completed his apprenticeship in 2005. The practical elements of his qualification are taught on the job and through annual three week block courses at the Southern Institute of Technology. The theory elements are taught through weekly evening classes.

Once John had completed the theory assessment for a unit standard he was then able to be assessed in the practical elements, providing that he was able to prove that he was competent in the various tasks. To achieve practical competency John had to be able to complete the required practical tasks consistently well, unsupervised, in a commercial timeframe, using safe work practices.

John is now working towards the completion of the Level 5 National Certificate Engineering.