During his secondary schooling Reece undertook a STAR Engineering Course and spent time working for several local engineering companies which gave him a better understanding of what engineers do.

After leaving Gore High School Reece was offered an apprenticeship with Southern Group Training and placed with Alliance Mataura for his on job practical training.

The theory components of his qualification are taught through weekly evening classes, which may require work to be done at home after class. Once Reece has completed the theory assessment for a unit standard he is then able to be assessed in the practical components, provided that he is able to prove that he is competent in the various tasks.

To achieve practical competency Reece has to be able to complete the required practical tasks consistently well, unsupervised, in a commercial timeframe, using safe work practices. This level of competency is gained through practical work experience on job and through a series of block courses.

Reece’s Training Manager is a registered workplace assessor and can assess Reece whenever he has work ready for assessment.