Although he is of Kahungunu descent from Mohaka near Wairoa, Gilbert was raised in this District and went through Horowhenua College. He was a class-mate of Steve Parrant, and they remained as friends ever since.

He began his working life as a panelbeater, before completing a Bachelor of Information and Communication Technology and working for four years in the IT industry.  In this time he gained a Certificate in Adult Teaching and TESOL Teaching Certification.

Gilbert then gained his Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Secondary) and began teaching in 2008 at Whanganui Collegiate. His teaching subjects are Technology and Junior Maths, and has been heavily involved in extra-curricular activities, coaching rugby, athletics, badminton and kapa haka.