While attending Gore High School Shannon decided to learn a trade, but which one was the question. Undecided, Shannon decided keep his options open by to studying the core subjects; English, maths, science, graphics and woodwork, as this gave him a good grounding for gaining a qualification in any of the different trades he was considering.

Shannon worked with a painter, then a builder, before deciding on bricklaying. Shannon became a Southern Group Training apprentice in 2005 and is placed with Adrian van Uden where he is completing the Level 3 National Certificate in Brick and Block Laying.

Adrian teaches Shannon the practical skills required and Shannon fills out a Training Record Book of the work completed, which he has to take with him to his annual block course training in Wellington.

This record forms part of his competency assessment. Shannon also has to pass practical competency assessments in a range of tasks and theory examinations while attending each of the three week block courses. It is therefore important that Shannon is well prepared before he goes on his annual block course.

To achieve practical competency Shannon has to be able to complete the required practical tasks consistently well, unsupervised, in a commercial timeframe, using safe work practices.