PATHWAY TO
LANDSCAPE CONSTRUCTION

ARE YOU LOOKING TO WORK IN A CONSTRUCTION FIELD WHERE YOU BUILD THINGS, RESHAPE THE LANDSCAPE, AND CREATE SPECIAL FEATURES?

LANDSCAPE CONSTRUCTION MAY BE THE PERFECT CAREER FOR YOU

Construction forms a major part of a landscape contractor’s job. In fact, being a Landscaper means trying a bit of every trade, such as carpentry, concreting, irrigation, and fencing, whilst navigating all sorts of weather and working outside.

They carry out foundation work, set out the construction job, excavate for footings, put in formwork, and install drainage systems. They may reshape the landscape with slopes or terraces and create special features, such as rock gardens, ponds, fountains and ornamental gardens. To create internal and external boundaries, contractors build walls and erect fences. They also build paths and patios and erect structures like pergolas and decks.

Becoming an Apprentice: The First Step

Getting into the great outdoors, getting your hands dirty, working hard and keeping fit are all part of being a landscaper. Let alone knowing about plants and designing and creating natural or man-made masterpieces. So why not get paid to learn?

There has been an increasing demand for landscaping products and services, with signs that customers intend to continue and expand their personal and community gardening efforts. As a result, professional landscaping workers are in demand. This rewarding career path involves designing and building outdoor spaces like residential gardens, commercial outdoor spaces and public common areas.

By starting a landscaping apprenticeship you’ll be involved in:

• Setting out hardscape and softscape structures.
• Constructing pathways, retaining walls, water features and other outdoor structures.
• Maintaining and preparing seedbeds and growing sites.
• Planting flowers, trees, hedges and bushes for commercial and residential properties.
• Pruning and trimming hedges.
• Sourcing supplies.
• Using machinery to shape branches including chainsaws and handsaws.
• Spraying and dusting trees and plants to remove insects.

Skills you will need:

• Passion for being outdoors.
• Ability to plan and multi-task.
• Ability to problem solve.
• An eye for design.

Undertaking an apprenticeship allows you to learn real skills in the workplace, become qualified in a declared vocation and be paid a wage while you're learning. You'll enter into a training contract with an employer and a training provider that will allow you to combine on-site learning with on or off site training.

When you take on a Apprenticeship, you'll:

• Earn while you learn both on-the-job and study with a Registered Training Organisation
• Gain fundamental skills you'll use long after you're qualified.
• Access potential Government financial support and personal benefits.

FURTHER INFORMATION ABOUT BECOMING AN APPRENTICE

What's Next?

If you decide that landscape construction is your chosen career, the best option is to find yourself an apprenticeship with a landscape construction company.

Have a look for apprenticeship or job opportunities on the MLSA Jobs Board, and submit your resume so we can contact you when something comes up.

Landscaping is a rich and rewarding career where no two days are the same, and you get to make the most of the beautiful outdoors.
And, let's be honest...
the grass will be GREENER on your side!