Having completed his secondary education at Gore High School Stephen successfully applied to, and completed, the electrical pre apprenticeship course at the Southern Institute of Technology. In 2002 he was employed as an electrical apprentice with Southern Group Training and placed with Adamson Electrical and Security for his practical on job training.

Stephen’s off job theory training has been provided by S.I.T through his attendance at evening class two nights a week and through a two week block course each year.

The diversity of practical work and steady progress through his theory work has provided Stephen with a good foundation of knowledge, skills and experience to build upon as he completes the final year of his apprenticeship.

Stephen has sought to enhance his skills through competing in several skills based electrical competitions. While completing a challenging practical project in a tight time frame is not the most exciting way of spending a Saturday it offered Stephen a chance to pit himself against other electrical apprentices as a measure of his progress towards establishing himself as a good tradesman. It also raised his profile among the electrical fraternity many of whom donated their time to judge the events. The ability to work well under pressure will stand Stephen in good stead as he enters the workforce as a fully qualified electrician