After completing his secondary schooling at James Hargest College Nathan successfully applied to undertake the engineering pre apprenticeship course at the Southern Institute of Technology. In late 2007 he was offered an apprenticeship with Southern Group Training and has been placed on secondment with AER in Invercargill.

To complete the Level 4 National Certificate in Engineering Nathan must complete a range of unit standards comprising both theory and practical elements. Nathan’s off job theory training has been provided by the Southern Institute of Technology through his regular attendance at weekly evening classes and an annual three week block course.

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 Nathan’s Training Manual, his evening class and block course fees, and pays him while he is attending his annual three week block course. Travel and accommodation costs for block courses held outside Southland are also covered.