After leaving Southland Boys High School Paul spent a number of years in the workforce as an engineering labourer before the opportunity arose to be promoted into an apprenticeship. During this time his employer was able to ascertain his suitability for an apprenticeship, and Paul was able to make an informed decision that a career in engineering was best for him.

Paul was offered an apprenticeship through Southern Group Training as his employer, Marshall Industries, preferred to leave the employment and management of their apprentices to Southern Group Training.

The practical elements of Paul’s Level 4 National Certificate qualification are taught on the job and through annual three weekly block courses at the Southern Institute of Technology. The theory elements are taught through weekly evening classes.

Paul needed to maintain a regular record of all the tasks he completed as he collected and wrote up evidence of his competency for assessment. Failure to maintain good records can add considerably to the length of time it takes to complete an apprenticeship. Paul is about to complete his apprenticeship and has enrolled at S.I.T to undertake study towards the completion of his Level 5 National Certificate.