From Apprentice to Educator: Shane Steel’s Electrical Journey

September 25, 2025

Shane Steel’s electrical career began in 2007 with a pre-trade course at Southern Institute, followed by a Level 4 apprenticeship at Etco in Invercargill in 2008. Shane says, “Etco’s pre-trade is 10x better than polytechnic – I didn’t even know how to strip cable when I started!”

Over the years, Shane gained invaluable experience working for two reputable companies before establishing his own successful electrical business, also gaining his Inspector’s ticket . While balancing work, he became a night class tutor, where he discovered his passion for teaching and made the decision to transition from the tools to the classroom, becoming a full-time tutor.

Today, Shane serves as an Electrical Tutor alongside Gary Moses, combining his industry expertise with a commitment to nurturing the next generation of electricians. Shane says he “gets paid to have patience” – driven by a desire to give back to the industry and equip soon to be apprentices with the skills they need, so employers can get on with the job. His journey reflects dedication, adaptability, and a true passion for both the craft and the classroom.

– Shane Steel, Electrical Tutor & Campus Manager at Etco Nelson Campus

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