Apprenticeships often take years to complete but Drew Avery managed to complete his apprenticeship in a total of six months.  His achievement was recognised at the Hutt Valley Business Excellence Awards 2009, winning the inaugural Apprentice of the Year award in addition to an IAG Apprentice of the Year award and scholarship.  

Offered a job with Wakefield and Scott Ltd, Drew worked and studied simultaneously in order to complete both his qualification and apprenticeship.  “My study has credited towards my apprenticeship which has meant that I was able to get through it faster.  For me, completing a pre-trade programme has meant I was able to be hands-on from the start which I wouldn’t have gotten going straight into an apprenticeship.  I learnt all the hands-on stuff at WelTec, everything that’s involved in the job.”