Having completed his secondary schooling at Southland Boys High School Richard 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 is currently on placement with Adamson Electrical and Security.

To complete the Level 4 National Certificate in Electrical Engineering Richard must complete a range of unit

standards comprising both theory and practical elements. Richard’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 Richard’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.