After completing his secondary schooling at Verdon College Matthew successfully applied to undertake the electrical pre apprenticeship course at the Southern Institute of Technology. In 2005 he was offered an apprenticeship with Southern Group Training and has been placed with New Zealand Aluminium Smelter Ltd.

To complete the Level 4 National Certificate in Electrical Engineering Matthew must complete a range of unit standards comprising both theory and practical elements. Matthew’s off job theory training has been provided by S.I.T through his attendance at evening class and through a two week block course each year.

An apprenticeship offers the opportunity to gain a tertiary qualification at Level 4 without needing to take on a student debt. Apprentices are paid as they learn. Southern Group Training, as employer, pays for Matthew’s Training Manual, his evening class and block course fees, and pays him while he is attending his annual two week block course. Travel and accommodation costs for block courses held outside Southland are also covered.

Southern Group Training also provides its apprentices with their protective equipment and an interest free tool loan.