After completing his secondary education at Gore High School, Scott was accepted onto the Level 2 National Certificate in Manufacturing and Mechanical Engineering pre apprenticeship course at the Southern Institute of Technology. Scott was then offered an apprenticeship with Southern Group Training and placed on secondment with Alliance Group Mataura.

While attending the pre apprenticeship course Scott spent a day each week on work experience which gave him additional practical skills, and an insight into the workings of an engineering workshop. This enabled Scott to make a more informed decision that engineering is his preferred trade and that doing an apprenticeship is his preferred method of training.

Apprenticeships offer people the opportunity to earn a decent wage while learning the skills necessary to complete a Level 4 National Certificate. Completion of an apprenticeship not only enables people to complete their qualification without having to incur a student loan, when they enter the job market the skill set they have makes them highly desirable employees.

The world wide skill shortage across all trades makes any newly qualified trades person highly sought after both in Southland and further afield.