National Skills Week 2024

As part of National Skills Week, we would like to introduce Ashton Simpson, one of our valued third year apprentices undertaking Certificate III in Landscape Construction whilst working at Growth Civil Landscapes.

Ashton says he enjoys working with the project team at Growth Civil Landscapes as “we have a good team to work with who are helpful and teach us skills. I enjoy working on different types of landscapes construction projects in all sorts of cool places, and the opportunity of working away from home as it’s something different. There are also lots of opportunities to gain additional qualifications.”

He likes working in the Landscape industry because “it’s a fun industry to work in because you do something different every day and it’s rewarding seeing the end of a job being finished off, knowing that you had a hand in constructing it.” He also said “I like that we do all sorts of trades rolled into one.  For example, stone masonry, concreting, carpentry, landscaping – we basically do numerous trades and learn all sorts of skills. Plus I enjoy being outdoors - regardless of the weather!”

Ashton’s message to those considering getting an apprenticeship and working in the Landscape industry is “make sure you like the trade you are considering doing as they are a four-year course. Do work experience first to try it out. Make sure you learn and absorb everything you are taught to make you a skilled tradesman by the end of your apprenticeship.”

Since starting employment with us, Ashton has obtained his ChemCert and First Aid Certificates. Next month, once he turns 18, he will be undertaking the Traffic Controller Combo and Forklift licence courses. He also plans on getting both truck and machinery licenses as soon as he legally can.

Looking to the future, Ashton is focused on being able to undertake any task in the landscaping industry to become a quality tradesman and being considered a valued team member on our projects by the Site Supervisors.

Growth Civil Landscapes strongly believes in the importance of apprentices, such as Ashton, and is proud to be instrumental in their career development and progression.