Merimbula landscaper Tom Lewis has been named a finalist in the NSW Apprentice of the Year for the South East and Illawarra Region after being nominated by training organisation Apprenticeship Careers Australia (ACA) and supported by his employers, Pod Gardens, Merimbula.
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Tom started his apprenticeship in civil landscaping in Canberra but moved back to Merimbula in 2018 when Pod Gardens offered him a job. However it still meant travelling to Canberra one day a week to complete the three-year apprenticeship course at the Canberra Institute of Technology.
His apprenticeship in landscape construction was successfully completed last year and ACA nominated him as a finalist for the NSW Aprentice of the Year for his outstanding results and attitude.
He was interviewed by a panel consisting of a previous winner and staff from Training Services NSW before being named as a finalist for the South East and Illawarra.
For Pod Gardens' owners Paula Benneian and Steve Robinson there was no doubt about Tom's credentials; they were happy to support his nomination.
"Tom's been a stand out for us. He's always gone above and beyond," Steve said.
"It gave us a chance to say what we've seen Tom do. He has taken on an OH&S role and implemented new systems that helps us comply with WorkCover and we need everyone on the same page when it comes to safety, rights and responsibilities.
"He has taken it upon himself to ensure machinery has regular checks too," Steve said.
"He easily floats between maintenance, retail and construction," Paula said.
"A lot of apprentices require a lot of supervision, but not Tom," Steve added.
Even though Tom has finished his apprenticeship, he is continuing to study, taking up a 18 month online course with TAFE for a diploma in landscape design.
Tom believes apprenticeships have a lot of offer.
"You earn while you learn and it gives you the first step for a variety of potential jobs. I did Certificate III in landscaping but then could go into design or sales," Tom said.
Winners will be announced June 23 at a virtual awards ceremony.
Apprenticeship Careers Australia helps to match apprentices and trainees with businesses across Australia taking on some of the administrative burden and risk associated with directly hiring apprentices or trainees, whilst at the same time helping to mentor and support young Australians through vocational education pathways.