After completing his secondary schooling at Gore High School Simon successfully applied to undertake an engineering apprenticeship with Southern Group Training which placed him with J K Stevenson Ltd for his on job practical training.

To complete the Level 4 National Certificate in Heavy Fabrication Engineering Simon must complete a range of unit standards comprising both theory and practical components.

Simon’s off job theory training has been provided by the Southern Institute of Technology through his attendance at weekly evening classes and a three week block course each year.

Regular attendance at evening class is extremely important as apprentices need to complete the theory component of each unit standard before they can be workplace assessed in the practical components.

Establishing and maintaining a good study habit is necessary if apprentices are to complete their qualification in a good time frame. Failure to do so can significantly prolong the length of time it takes to complete an apprenticeship.