A former student of James Hargest College, Ryan enrolled in the July 2007 ACE Engineering programme which was held over 20, instead of the usual 38, weeks at the Southern Institute of Technology.

The condensed pre apprenticeship programme allowed Ryan to complete all the requirements of the programme in a shorter period of time, thus allowing him to begin his apprenticeship earlier than previously would have been the case.

Having successfully completed all the requirements of the programme Ryan was offered an apprenticeship with Southern Group Training which placed him with Wilson Bros Engineering to complete the remaining Level 3 and Level 4 practical unit standards.

The theory units are taught through off job training via weekly evening classes at the Southern Institute of Technology and require regular attendance if the apprentice is to make good steady progress towards the completion of his apprenticeship.