Adam Maclellan – Apprentice Maintenance & Diagnostic Engineer

Adam completed his secondary education at James Hargest College before being offered employment as an apprentice with Southern Group Training.

An apprenticeship offers the opportunity to gain a tertiary qualification at Level 4 without needing to take on a student debt. Apprentices are paid as they learn.

Southern Group Training, as employer, pays for Adam's annual apprenticeship registration fee, Training Manual, evening class and block course fees, and pays him while he is attending his annual three week block course. Travel and accommodation costs for any block courses held outside Southland are also covered.

Southern Group Training also provides apprentices with an interest free tool loan to enable apprentices to have a basic toolkit of their own from the beginning of their apprenticeship. This means that the apprentice does not have to save up for each tool but has the basics of the required tool kit on hand.

This means that the apprentice does not need to borrow other trades people's tools to complete the tasks at hand. Apprentices are also provided with their own personal protective equipment.

Andrew Morton – Apprentice M & D Engineer

After completing his secondary schooling at James Hargest College Andrew successfully applied to undertake the engineering pre apprenticeship course at the Southern Institute of Technology. In 2006 he was offered an apprenticeship with Southern Group Training and has been placed on secondment with Robert Stone Ltd.

To complete the Level 4 National Certificate in Maintenance & Diagnostics Engineering Andrew must complete a range of unit standards comprising both theory and practical elements. Andrew's off job theory training has been provided by S.I.T through his attendance at evening class and a three week block course each year.

An apprenticeship offers the opportunity to gain a tertiary qualification at Level 4 without needing to take on a student debt. Apprentices are paid as they learn. Southern Group Training, as employer, pays for Andrew's Training Manual, his evening class and block course fees, and pays him while he is attending his annual three week block course. Travel and accommodation costs for block courses held outside Southland are also covered.

Ben Irvine – Apprentice Maintenance & Diagnostics Engineer

After completing his secondary schooling at James Hargest College Ben worked in a variety of roles before successfully applying, in late 2006, to Southern Group Training for an engineering apprenticeship.

He has been placed with Wilson Bros Engineering for his on job practical training.

To complete the Level 4 National Certificate in Maintenance & Diagnostics Engineering Ben must complete a range of unit standards comprising both theory and practical elements.

The theory elements are taught through weekly evening classes.

Once Ben has completed the theory assessment for a unit standard he is then able to be assessed in the practical elements, provided that he is able to prove that he is competent in the various tasks.

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

This level of competency is gained through practical work experience on job and through a series of block courses.

Blair McKenzie – Apprentice M & D Engineer

Blair successfully applied to undertake the engineering pre apprenticeship course at the Southern Institute of Technology after completing his secondary schooling at James Hargest College. At the completion of the course in late 2004 Blair was offered an apprenticeship with Southern Group Training and has been placed on secondment with New Zealand Aluminium Smelters Ltd.

To complete the Level 4 National Certificate in Maintenance & Diagnostics Engineering Blair must complete a range of unit standards comprising both theory and practical elements. Blair's off job theory training has been provided by S.I.T through his attendance at weekly evening classes and a three week block course each year.

Those apprentices who successfully completed their pre trade course , which covers the Level 2 requirements of their qualification, find themselves able to continue on in the third year of their apprenticeship and complete the Level 5 National Certificate which is the equivalent of the old Advanced Trade Certificate qualification.

Brayden Hikiwai Light Fabrication Engineer

After Brayden left James Hargest College he 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 Brayden to complete all the requirements of the course in a shorter period of time, thus allowing him to begin his apprenticeship earlier than previously would have been the case.

Southern Group Training employed Brayden as an Industry Trainee for the duration of the ACE programme and placed him in full time paid work experience with different companies for four, two week periods of time. This provided Brayden with relevant engineering work experience and better enabled him to make a more informed decision as to which engineering career path he wished to follow at the completion of the ACE pre apprenticeship programme.

Brayden has since being employed by Sheet Metalcraft as a Light Fabrication Engineering Modern Apprentice.

Brennan Melvin – Apprentice Bricklayer

After leaving James Hargest College Brennan was given the opportunity to become a Modern Apprentice, employed by Elliotte Brick and Blocklaying Ltd.

Brennan has his own Modern Apprenticeship Coordinator who develops an individual Training Plan for him. This Coordinator works with Brennan, as his own personal mentor/coach, to assist him in achieving the requirements for his apprenticeship qualification.

Southern Group Training is the Modern Apprentice Coordinator for all the building trades in Southland including bricklaying and tiling.

Brennan's Training Plan outlines what unit standards are required to complete his chosen qualification then identifies, based on what work he doing in the workplace, which unit standards Brennan should be working towards achieving competency in at any given time.

To achieve practical competency he has to be able to complete the required practical tasks consistently well, unsupervised, in a commercial timeframe, using safe work practices. This level of competency is gained through practical work experience on job and through a series of block courses.

Because all Brennan's practical assessment is done during his annual block courses in Wellington it is really important that he be well prepared for them before he leaves. It is, therefore, important that he makes good use of his time spent on site learning the practical skills of his trade.

Brett Hamill – Apprentice Electrical Engineer

Having completed his secondary schooling at James Hargest College Brett successfully applied to undertake the electrical pre apprenticeship course at the Southern Institute of Technology. In 2005 he was offered an apprenticeship with Southern Group Training and is currently on placement with his primary host company, New Zealand Aluminium Smelters Ltd.

While most apprentices spend their apprenticeship with one host company Southern Group Training has the ability to place an apprentice with another host company if the original host has insufficient ongoing work, or is unable to provide training in all the unit standards required to enable the apprentice to complete his qualification.

While NZAS is Brett's primary host company for his practical on job training, during the course of his apprenticeship Southern Group Training will place Brett with a secondary host company to enable him to complete the full range of commercial and domestic electrical unit standards required to complete his Level 4 National Certificate.

Brett Hamilton – Heavy Automotive Engineer

While in the sixth form at James Hargest College Brett, having an open mind on what career path to pursue, attended a Trade Career Open Evening at the Southern Institute of Technology. He had a look at the various trades on offer, spoke to the various tutors, and decided that the automotive industry had real appeal.

Brett finished sixth form and, while doing so, spent a week of his school holidays doing the equivalent of an Automotive STAR programme at S.I.T. At the end of the week Brett was sold on the automotive industry as the career path for him. He enrolled in the pre trade heavy automotive course at S.I.T in 2001 and, at the completion of the programme, was offered employment as an apprentice with Invercargill Truck Servicing Ltd, one of the two companies he had had work experience with while doing his pre trade course.

Brett has persevered with his off job theory study and recently passed his National Registration and National A Grade exams

Bruce Pirie – General Engineering Apprentice

Bruce completed his secondary education at James Hargest College before being offered employment as an apprentice with Southern Group Training, on secondment with G.E.M.

An apprenticeship offers the opportunity to gain a tertiary qualification at Level 4 without needing to take on a student debt.

Apprentices are paid as they learn. Southern Group Training, as employer, pays for Bruce's annual apprenticeship registration fee, Training Manual, evening class and block course fees, and pays him while he is attending his annual three week block course. Travel and accommodation costs for any block courses held outside Southland are also covered.

Southern Group Training also provides apprentices with an interest free tool loan to enable apprentices to have a basic toolkit of their own from the beginning of their apprenticeship. This means that the apprentice does not have to save up for each tool but has the basics of the required tool kit on hand. This means that the apprentice does not need to borrow other trades people's tools to complete the tasks at hand.

Craig Hughes – Light Fabrication Apprentice

After Craig completed his secondary schooling at James Hargest College he worked in a couple of engineering workshops. This afforded Craig the opportunity to experience first hand the type of work done by engineers and he was able to make a more informed decision that engineering was the career path he wished to pursue.

In mid 2002 Craig successfully applied to undertake the 20 week Certificate in General Engineering pre apprenticeship course at the Southern Institute of Technology. In early 2003 he was offered an apprenticeship with Southern Group Training and is currently on placement with Crown Sheetmetal Ltd. While most apprentices spend their apprenticeship with one host company Southern Group Training has the ability to place an apprentice with another host company if the original host has insufficient ongoing work, or is unable to provide training in all the unit standards required to enable the apprentice to complete his qualification. During the course of his apprenticeship Southern Group Training has placed Craig with two host companies to enable him to complete the full range of unit standards required to complete his Level 4 National Certificate.

Daniel Turner – Apprentice Sheet Fed Printer

Having completed his secondary schooling at James Hargest College Daniel worked for a period with McDowall Print where he was offered an apprenticeship through Southern Group Training.

To complete the Level 4 National Certificate in Sheet Fed Printing Daniel must complete a range of unit standards comprising both theory and practical elements. Daniel's off job theory training is being provided through correspondence and a block course each year. The cost of travel and accommodation costs for block courses held outside Southland are paid for by Southern Group Training as Daniel's employer.

It is important that any apprentice regularly completes their theory workbooks to ensure that they do not fall behind in their apprenticeship. Developing a study plan is an excellent idea.

The theory components of any apprenticeship must be completed before the apprentice can be assessed in the corresponding practical component. Getting behind in the theory can significantly delay the time it takes to complete an apprenticeship. Apprenticeships are competency, rather than time, based.

Devon Woods – Heating & Ventilation Apprentice

After completing his secondary schooling at James Hargest College Devon was offered an apprenticeship with Southern Group Training and is currently on placement with host company Rayners.

To complete the Level 4 National Certificate in Heating & Ventilation Engineering Devon must complete a range of unit standards comprising both theory and practical elements.

Devon's off job theory training is being provided through distance learning (correspondence) which is supplemented with a three week block course each year. Completing the theory elements through distance learning requires a good level of self motivation and discipline to achieve them on a regular basis. The development and adherence to a study plan is an excellent idea.

Failure to complete correspondence assignments on a regular basis can add considerably to the length of time it takes to complete an apprenticeship and the onus of responsibility rests with the apprentice.

Gareth Edlin – Apprentice Heavy Fab Engineer

Gareth completed his secondary education at James Hargest College in 2001 and then completed the 12 week Certificate in Welding course at the Southern Institute of Technology before enrolling in the Level 2 National Certificate in General Engineering. During his pre apprenticeship course Gareth did one day a week on work experience which helped him decide that a career in engineering was for the right career path for him.

Gareth was offered an apprenticeship with Southern Group Training and seconded to Beck Engineering in Wyndham where he is taught the practical skills. The theory elements are taught through weekly evening classes. While Gareth did not have the preferred level of maths competency, NCEA Level 1 and, he has worked hard to bring himself up to speed with the mathematical requirements. Once Gareth has completed the theory assessment for a unit standard he is then able to be assessed in the practical elements, providing that he is able to prove that he is competent in the various tasks. To achieve practical competency Gareth must be able to complete the required practical tasks consistently well, unsupervised, in a commercial timeframe, using safe work practices. This level of competency is gained through practical work experience on job and through a series of block courses which encompass both theory and practical elements.

Gary Robertson – Heavy Fabrication Engineer

Gary began the journey through his apprenticeship by doing the Level 2 National Certificate in Fabrication Welding at the Southern Institute of Technology in 2001. During this time he was offered an engineering apprenticeship with Southern Group Training on placed on secondment with E Type Engineering.

During his apprenticeship Gary completed his theory introductions, and some practical assessments, at weekly evening classes and on an annual three week block course at S.I.T. while developing his practical competency in the workplace.

Gary has worked on a variety of sites doing a range of work including maintenance items at the Rayonier MDF plant, patching pontoons at Milford Sound, and replacing handrails and ladders on the chimney stack at NZAS. Engineering apprenticeships require the completion of a minimum of 6000 hours practical workplace experience along with the required unit standards. Gary completed his apprenticeship in early 2005 and is now employed as a Heavy Fabrication Engineer with E Type Engineering.

Hunter Kingsford Smith – Light Fab Engineer

After leaving James Hargest College Hunter enrolled in the engineering pre apprenticeship course, Level 2 National Certificate in Fabrication Welding, at the Southern Institute of Technology. Completion of the Level 2 unit standards through the pre apprenticeship course was effectively the completion of the first year of Hunter's apprenticeship theory requirements and reduced the amount of time it took Hunter to complete his qualification.

The theory elements are taught through weekly evening classes. Once Hunter had completed the theory assessment for a unit standard he was then able to be assessed in the practical elements, provided that he was able to prove that he was competent in the various tasks. To achieve practical competency he had to be able to complete the required practical tasks consistently well, unsupervised, in a commercial timeframe, using safe work practices. This level of competency is gained through practical work experience on job and through a series of block courses. Hunter was employed by Southern Group Training which placed him with Sheet Metalcraft for the duration of his apprenticeship, and he is currently employed by Sheet Metalcraft as a fully qualified Light Fabrication Engineer.n.

Jeremy Lennon – Apprentice M & D Engineer

Jeremy Lennon has the ability to excel as an apprentice and with application could go far in his chosen career path of engineering. He has both the academic and practical ability as well as being a personable young man. Jeremy evaluated the various career training options in engineering and chose the apprenticeship pathway for the valuable practical skills and knowledge it would provide.

Jeremy successfully completed his pre trade engineering course at the Southern Institute of Technology and was employed by Southern Group Training which placed him on secondment with New Zealand Aluminium Smelters Ltd.

In October 2005 Jeremy entered the inaugural Southern Apprentice Challenge competition in the Engineering Fitting Section which he won. This required him to complete a demanding engineering project to the best of his ability in a six hour timeframe. He then went on to compete in the 2005 Otago SkillEX competition where he was placed second in the Fitting competitio

Jesse Sherriff – Apprentice General Engineer

After leaving James Hargest College Jesse was given the opportunity to become a Modern Apprentice, employed by Jesco Hydraulics.

Jesse has his own Modern Apprenticeship Coordinator who develops an individual Training Plan for him. This Coordinator is industry qualified and works with Jesse, as his own personal mentor/coach, to assist him in achieving the requirements for his apprenticeship qualification.

Jesse's Training Plan outlines what unit standards are required to complete his chosen qualification then identifies, based on what work he is doing in the workplace, which unit standards Jesse should be doing at any given time.

To achieve practical competency Jesse has to be able to complete the required practical tasks consistently well, unsupervised, in a commercial timeframe, using safe work practices. This level of competency is gained through practical work experience on job and through a series of block courses.

The theory units are taught and assessed at weekly evening classes held at the Southern Institute of Technology. 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

Justin Mitchell – Apprentice Carpenter

After leaving James Hargest College Justin successfully applied to undertake the carpentry pre apprenticeship course at the Southern Institute of Technology. In 2007 he was offered an apprenticeship with Southern Group Training and has been placed with Bill Cox Builder.

An apprenticeship offers the opportunity to gain a tertiary qualification at Level 4 without needing to take on a student debt. Apprentices are paid as they learn.

Southern Group Training, as employer, pays for Justin's annual apprenticeship registration fee and his Training Manual. Because Justin has completed all his theory requirements through the pre apprenticeship course he does not need to attend evening classes, block courses, or do any distance learning packages. Southern Group Training provides apprentices with their own personal protective equipment on an annual basis, and an interest free tool loan to enable them to begin putting together a tool kit. It is the apprentice's responsibility to take good care of their tools as they are expensive to replace if lost or stolen.

Keith Davies – Electronics Apprentice

Having successfully completed his NCEA Level 1 and 2 at James Hargest College, which saw Keith taking electronics in addition to design technology and an Electrical STAR course, it was a natural progression for Keith to complete the electrical pre apprenticeship course at the Southern Institute of Technology during 2004.

Southern Group Training organised work experience for Keith at Next@Southland Electronics. This provided Keith with valuable experience with which to enable him to make a more informed choice in selecting which qualification strand he wished to pursue as a career path. The day a week on work experience also gave the management at Next@Southland Electronics an excellent opportunity to evaluate Keith's potential for an apprenticeship.

Keith began his electronics apprenticeship at the conclusion of his electrical pre apprenticeship course which effectively covered the material Keith would normally do during the first year of his apprenticeship. The successful completion of the course, therefore, enhanced his employability as he entered the work force having clearly demonstrated his ability to be able to successfully complete his Level 4 National Certificate in Electronics.

Kenny Soper – Carpenter

After completing his secondary education at James Hargest College, Kenny undertook the carpentry pre apprenticeship course at the Southern Institute of Technology, winning a prize for most improved student. The successful completion of the course meant that Kenny had completed the theory requirements for his Level 4 National Certificate in Carpentry and could concentrate on achieving competency in the practical elements of the various unit standards.

To achieve practical competency Kenny had to be able to complete the required practical tasks consistently well, unsupervised, in a commercial timeframe, using safe work practices. Kenny needed to maintain a weekly record of all the tasks he completed in a Record of Work folder which was required to be signed off by his supervisor once the supervisor agreed that Kenny had achieved the required competency level. Failure to maintain good records can add considerably to the length of time it takes to complete an apprenticeship.

As the Modern Apprentice Coordinator for the Southland region Southern Group Training assisted Kenny in securing employment with Donaldson Construction Services. Kenny is allocated his own Modern Apprenticeship Coordinator who has developed an individual training plan for him which set realistic goals and timeframes to achieve them in.

Kieran Roberts – Light Fabrication Engineer

Having completed his secondary schooling at James Hargest College Kieran successfully applied to undertake the engineering pre apprenticeship course at the Southern Institute of Technology. During the full year course Kieran spent a day each week on work experience with a sheet metal company which provided him an opportunity to confirm that a career in the light fabrication industry was the career path he wished to follow.

At completion of the course in late 2002 Kieran was offered an apprenticeship with Southern Group Training and has been seconded to Marshall Industries for the duration of his apprenticeship.

An apprenticeship offers the opportunity to gain a tertiary qualification at Level 4 without needing to take on a student debt. Apprentices are paid as they learn.

Southern Group Training, as employer, pays for Kieran's Training Manual, his annual industry training fee, his evening class and block course fees, and pays him while he is attending his annual three week block course.

Apprentices needing to attend block courses held outside of Invercargill also have travel and accommodation costs paid for by Southern Group Training.

Leanne Ridder – Apprentice Electrician

Having completed her secondary schooling at James Hargest College Leanne successfully applied to undertake the electrical pre apprenticeship course at the Southern Institute of Technology.

At the completion of the pre apprenticeship course in mid 2007 Leanne was offered an apprenticeship with Southern Group Training and has been placed with Dongwha for her practical on job training.

To complete the Level 4 National Certificate in Electrical Engineering Leanne must complete a range of unit standards comprising both theory and practical elements. Leanne's off job theory training has been provided by S.I.T through her attendance at evening class and through a two week block course each year.

As a Modern Apprentice Leanne has her own Modern Apprenticeship Coordinator who has developed an individual training plan for her which sets realistic goals and timeframes to achieve them in. The Coordinator, Karen Hogh, meets with Leanne on a regular basis and is available as a mentor to both Leanne and her supervisor.

Leanne needs to maintain a weekly record of all the tasks she completes in a Record of Work folder which is required to be signed off by her supervisor once the supervisor agrees that Leanne has achieved the required competency level. Failure to maintain good records can add considerably to the length of time it takes to complete an apprenticeship.

Leon Erskine – Carpentery Apprentice

Leon completed his secondary education at James Hargest College before spending several years work as a painter. He then decided to get a qualification and completed the carpentry pre employment programme being offered employment as an apprentice with Southern Group Training.

An apprenticeship offers the opportunity to gain a tertiary qualification at Level 4 without needing to take on a student debt. Apprentices are paid as they learn. Southern Group Training, as employer, pays for Leon's training fees.

Southern Group Training also provides apprentices with an interest free tool loan to enable them to have a basic toolkit of their own from the beginning of their apprenticeship. This means that the apprentice does not have to save up for each tool but has the basics of the required tool kit on hand. This also means that the apprentice does not need to borrow other trades people's tools to complete the tasks at hand. Apprentices are provided with their own personal protective equipment which is replaced on a regular basis.

Lloyd Nolan – Apprentice Carpenter

After completing his secondary schooling at James Hargest College Lloyd successfully applied to undertake the carpentry pre apprenticeship course at the Southern Institute of Technology.

At the completion of the course Lloyd was offered an apprenticeship with Southern Group Training and has been placed with Bill Cox Builder for his practical on job training. Because Lloyd completed all his theory units while on the pre apprenticeship course he now need only to focus on the completion of his practical unit standards.

During the pre apprenticeship course students cover various health and safety requirements including first aid, safe use of hand tools and safe use of power tools all of which enables them to be safer in the workplace. They are also trained in the Level 2 unit standard requirements of their apprenticeship qualification which enables the student to be more useful in the workplace from the very commencement of their apprenticeship.

It is important for any apprentice to have a current, and preferably, full driver's license. It is equally important that once the learners license has been achieved that the apprentice continues on to secure his/her restricted, then full, license as soon as practically possible. Having a driver's license is an almost mandatory requirement in the building industry as builders may not always be working in close proximity to public transport.

Mark Clay – Apprentice General Engineer

After leaving James Hargest College Mark successfully applied to undertake the automotive pre apprenticeship course at the Southern Institute of Technology. During the course Mark did work experience several days a week and during this time made the decision that the automotive industry was not for him.

Mark elected instead to focus on the heavy fabrication engineering industry and was offered an apprenticeship with Southern Group Training. He has been placed with Geo Wilson & Sons for his practical on job training.

His off job theory training is provided by the Southern Institute of Technology through weekly evening classes and a three week block course.

During any pre apprenticeship course students cover various health and safety requirements including first aid, safe use of hand tools and safe use of power tools all of which enables them to be safer in the workplace.

Employers prefer to employ people with a good understanding of the health and safety issues in the workplace and who are able to be useful from day one. The pre apprenticeship course also allows the student to demonstrate a good work ethic and an understanding of the need to be able to develop and maintain good timekeeping skills.

Matthew Wallis – M & D Engineer

Matthew completed his secondary education at James Hargest College and in 2002 undertook study towards the Level 2 National Certificate in Manufacturing and Mechanical Engineering through a pre apprenticeship course. While on the course Matthew made excellent progress and was offered an engineering apprenticeship with Southern Group Training mid way through the year.

Matthew was placed on secondment with the Alliance Group Lorneville as his primary placement during their annual engineering maintenance period July to December. During the processing season Matthew is placed with a secondary host company thereby gaining experience of different workshop practices and a much wider variety of engineering tasks.

Matthew's secondary placements have included Alltec Engineering, Invercargill Engineering and most recently E Type Engineering. The diversity of experience has provided Matthew with a broad knowledge of engineering and will further enhance his employability as a fully qualified tradesman at the completion of his apprenticeship.

Given the international shortage of skilled trades' people apprentices have the advantage of being highly sought after employees once they complete their Level 4 National Certificates and can reasonably expect to earn at least $35,000 per annum plus overtime for additional hours worked in their first year after qualifying.

Michael Kitto – Apprentice Heavy Fabrication Engineer

After completing his secondary schooling at James Hargest College Michael successfully applied to undertake the engineering pre apprenticeship course at the Southern Institute of Technology.

At the completion of the course Michael was offered an apprenticeship with Southern Group Training and has been placed with J K Stevenson Ltd for his on job practical training.

During the pre apprenticeship course students cover various health and safety requirements including first aid, safe use of hand tools and safe use of power tools all of which makes them safer in the workplace.

They are also trained in the Level 2 unit standard requirements of their apprenticeship qualification which enables the student to be more useful in the workplace.

Any Level 4 qualification requires that the Level 2 requirements be completed before the apprentice begins Level 4. Completing the Level 2 requirement at S.I.T on a pre apprenticeship course offers an apprentice the opportunity to ‘kick start' his apprenticeship and is well worth considering.

Mike Dawson – Light Fabrication Engineer

Mike completed his secondary education at James Hargest College before entering the workforce, and in 2007 being offered an apprenticeship with Southern Group Training on secondment with Southland Sheetmetal.

The theory components of Mike's Level 4 National Certificate are taught through weekly evening classes at the Southern Institute of Technology. Once Mike has completed the theory assessment for a unit standard he is then able to be assessed in the practical elements.

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

Mike's Training Manager is a qualified workplace assessor and is able to undertake regular workplace assessments of Mike's work. It is, however, Mike's responsibility to be well prepared for the assessment of each unit standard.

Nathan Lovett – Fitting & Machining Engineer

After completing his secondary schooling at James Hargest College Nathan successfully applied to undertake the engineering pre apprenticeship course at the Southern Institute of Technology. In late 2007 he was offered an apprenticeship with Southern Group Training and has been placed on secondment with AER in Invercargill.

To complete the Level 4 National Certificate in Engineering Nathan must complete a range of unit standards comprising both theory and practical elements. Nathan's off job theory training has been provided by the Southern Institute of Technology through his regular attendance at weekly evening classes and an annual three week block course.

An apprenticeship offers the opportunity to gain a tertiary qualification at Level 4 without needing to take on a student debt. Apprentices are paid as they learn. Southern Group Training, as employer, pays for Nathan's Training Manual, his evening class and block course fees, and pays him while he is attending his annual three week block course. Travel and accommodation costs for block courses held outside Southland are also covered.

Nathan Scurr – Apprentice Mechanical Engineer

While completing his secondary schooling at James Hargest College Nathan began working after school and during school holidays in an engineering workshop. This experience helped clarify in Nathan's mind that a career in engineering was for him.

In 2006 he was offered an apprenticeship through Southern Group Training on secondment with Geo Wilson & Sons Engineering.

Nathan must complete a range of unit standards comprising both theory and practical elements to complete the Level 4 National Certificate in Maintenance & Diagnostics Engineering. Nathan's off job theory training has been provided by S.I.T through his attendance at evening class and through 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. Failure to do so can significantly prolong the length of time it takes to complete an apprenticeship. Establishing and maintaining a good study habit is necessary if apprentices are to complete their qualification in the optimum time frame.

Nick Tobin – Heavy Fabrication Engineer

Nick completed his secondary education at James Hargest College before being employed in a number of jobs. In mid 2004 Nick applied for an apprenticeship with Southern Group Training and was offered a placement initially with McMaster Engineering in Winton and more recently with E Type Engineering in Invercargill.

While most apprentices spend their apprenticeship on placement with one host company Southern Group Training has the ability to place an apprentice with another host company if the original host has insufficient ongoing work, or is unable to provide training in all the unit standards required to enable the apprentice to complete his qualification.

Southern Group Training also provides apprentices with an interest free tool loan to enable apprentices to have a basic toolkit of their own from the beginning of their apprenticeship. The apprentice does not have to save up for each tool but has the basics of the required tool kit on hand. This means that the apprentice does not need to borrow other trades people's tools to complete the tasks at hand. Apprentices are also provided with their own personal protective equipment.

Nigel Andersen – Heavy Fabrication Apprentice

Having achieved his NCEA Level One at James Hargest College in 2002, Nigel went onto to complete in June 2003 the 12 week Certificate in Welding at the Southern Institute of Technology. This led to Nigel undertaking the 20 week National Certificate in General Engineering which he successfully completed in December 2003.

Nigel is employed as an apprentice with Southern Group Training and was placed on secondment with B.A.M. Engineering where he had completed his one day per week work experience while completing his general engineering pre apprenticeship course. When BAM Engineering was sold Southern Group Training placed Nigel with another suitable host company, G.E.M. Engineering.

While most apprentices spend their apprenticeship with one host company Southern Group Training has the ability to place an apprentice with another host company if the original host has insufficient ongoing work or is unable to provide training in all the unit standards required to enable the apprentice to complete his qualification. Nigel is currently working towards the completion of his Level 4 National Certificate in Heavy Fabrication Engineering.

Rhiannon Evans – Graphic Communications Apprentice

Rhiannon completed her secondary education at James Hargest College and applied for a number of jobs before deciding that being a graphic communications printing apprentice might be worth serious consideration. Rhiannon was offered employment as an apprentice with Southern Group Training and placed on secondment with McDowall Print as her host company for her practical on job training.

A printing apprenticeship requires the completion of the theory components of a range of unit standards through distance learning which requires the apprentice to develop and maintain good study habits. Additional tuition support is provided through attendance at annual block courses in either Christchurch or Auckland.

Southern Group Training, as employer, pays for Rhiannon's Training Manual, her distance learning course material and block course fees, and pays her while she is attending her annual block course. Travel and accommodation costs for block courses held outside Southland are also covered.

Rhiannon has her own Training Manager who has developed an individual training plan for her which sets realistic goals and timeframes to achieve them in. The Training Manager meets with Rhiannon on a regular basis and is available as a mentor to both Rhiannon and her supervisor.

Rimoni Foai – Carpentery Apprentice

Some time after leaving James Hargest College, Rimoni Foai decided that a career in the construction industry had appeal.

There are many career options within the industry and Rimoni decided to become a carpenter. There are several routes a person can take to complete the theory work required in a carpentry apprenticeship: pre apprenticeship programme, annual block courses, or by distance learning.

Rimoni is apprenticed to Southern Group Training which has seconded him to builder, Bill Cox, to complete the practical requirements of his qualification.

The theory components have delivered through a series of block courses. Southern Group Training pays for Rimoni's block course fees and pays him while he is on the block course.

Robb Ballantine – Electrical Engineer

After completing his secondary schooling at James Hargest College Robb was offered an apprenticeship with Southern Group Training and is seconded to his host company, Munro Electrical.

To complete the Level 4 National Certificate in Electrical Engineering Robb must complete a range of unit standards comprising both theory and practical elements. Robb's off job theory training has been provided by the Southern Institute of Technology through his attendance at weekly evening classes and through a two week block course each year.

As a Modern Apprentice Robb has his own Modern Apprenticeship Coordinator who has developed an individual Training Plan for him which sets realistic goals and timeframes to achieve them in. The Coordinator meets with Robb on a regular basis and is available as a mentor to both Robb and his supervisor.

Robert Dalziel – Heavy Fab Engineer

Robert completed his secondary education at James Hargest College before entering the workforce. He was employed initially as a labourer before being promoted into an apprenticeship. Robert's former employer, Transport Engineering, requested that Southern Group Training employ Robert acknowledging that Southern Group Training was better able to manage the apprenticeship training requirements.

During his apprenticeship Robert had his own Training Manager who developed an individual training plan for him which set realistic goals and timeframes to achieve them in. The Training Manager met with Robert on a regular basis and was available as a mentor to both Robert and his supervisor.

It is to his credit, and a reflection of the esteem with which he is held, that Robert was successfully nominated by his employer, Southern Group Training, for the Invercargill Sunrise Rotary Club Pride in Workmanship Award in 2004.

Ryan Strang – Heavy Fabrication Engineer

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.

Scott Ridder – Light Fabrication Engineer

Having completed his secondary schooling at James Hargest College Scott successfully applied to undertake the engineering pre apprenticeship course at the Southern Institute of Technology. In 2003 he was offered an apprenticeship with Southern Group Training and is currently on secondment with host company, Crown Sheetmetal.

Scott must complete a range of unit standards comprising both theory and practical elements if he is to complete the Level 4 National Certificate in Light Fabrication Engineering. Scott's off job theory training is provided by S.I.T through his attendance at weekly evening classes and through a three week block course each year.

Once Scott has passed the theory assessment for each unit standard he is then able to be assessed in the practical elements. To achieve practical competency Scott has to be able to complete the required practical tasks consistently well, unsupervised, in a commercial timeframe, using safe work practices.

Scott's Training Manager is a qualified workplace assessor and is able to undertake regular workplace assessments of Scott's work. It is Scott's responsibility to be well prepared for the assessment of each unit standard. Failure to maintain good records can add considerably to the length of time it takes to complete an apprenticeship.

Selwyn McEwan – Apprentice M & D Engineer

After completing his secondary schooling at James Hargest College Selwyn successfully applied to undertake the engineering pre apprenticeship course at the Southern Institute of Technology. At the completion of the course in late 2003 Selwyn was offered an apprenticeship with Southern Group Training and has been placed on secondment with New Zealand Aluminium Smelters Ltd.

During the pre apprenticeship course students cover various health and safety requirements including first aid, safe use of hand tools and safe use of power tools all of which enables them to be safer in the workplace. They are also trained in the Level 2 unit standard requirements of their apprenticeship qualification which enables the student to be more useful in the workplace from the very beginning of their apprenticeship.

Employers prefer to employ people with a good understanding of the health and safety issues in the workplace and who are able to be useful from day one. The pre apprenticeship course also allows the student to demonstrate a good work ethic and an understanding of the need to be able to develop and maintain good timekeeping skills.

Sophie Harpur – Joiner

While Sophie did not always find English and maths easy while at James Hargest College, having decided that she wanted to follow a career in the trades she did additional tuition in these subjects to enable her to pass them at School Certificate level.

She then successfully applied to undertake the pre apprenticeship joinery programme at the Southern Institute of Technology which she completed in 2002. During this time Sophie applied for an apprenticeship with Southern Group Training and was employed as a Modern Apprentice by Knock on Wood.

Sophie had her own Modern Apprenticeship Coordinator who developed an individual training plan for her which set realistic goals and timeframes to achieve them in. The Coordinator, Karen Hògh, meets with Sophie on a regular basis and is available as a mentor to both Sophie and her employer.

Placing apprentices with a suitable employer is a key feature of the success of the Modern Apprenticeship programme. Southern Group Training is the Modern Apprenticeship Coordinator for over 18 trades in Southland.