Top NSW Landscape Apprentice’s MIFGS Study Tour
The Landscape Association (TLA) Apprentice of the Year Awards recognise the value and importance of apprentices in shaping the future of the landscaping industry.
Awarded annually as part of the TLA Landscape Excellence Awards, they aim to nurture, support and inspire the next generation of the industry and foster future leaders.
Open to TLA members, applicants are nominated by their employers and a panel of industry judges select the winners based on qualities such as commitment to the industry, willingness to learn, technical skills and so on.
Last year’s winners, Dominic Spillane from Sydney’s Landart Landscapes (Landscape Construction Apprentice) and Jude Hobson from Canberra’s Manuka Gardens (Parks and Gardens Apprentice) recently returned from an all expenses paid, 3-day study tour to the Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show (MIFGS) as part of their prize.
Accompanied by TLA CEO Jodie Dean and Life Member Jude Bates, they were treated to behind-the-scenes experiences including show garden tours, industry networking events, time with Victorian industry leaders, and a visit to the Royal Botanic Gardens.
“The knowledge and skill sharing aspect of the trip was invaluable,” said Jodie Dean. “We were able to chat with winning designers, learn about their design process and choices and understand the complex construction process”
“It’s not until you talk to the people behind the scenes that you realise all of the thought, hard work, commitment and creativity that goes into these displays – many take years to plan and bring to life.”
Both 2024 winners commented that they found the trip to be confidence-building and a great source of inspiration.
The Apprentice of the Year Awards are generously funded by two founding, Life Members and past presidents of the association, Robert Stanton from Regal Innovations and Steve Simpson from Simpson Landscapes.
The pair have committed to contributing to the Awards for 6 years, culminating in one standout apprentice winning a trip to Japan every 3 years.
The winner will visit Sumitomo Landscapes, Regal Innovations’ parent company, who have a 350-year legacy, a team of 2,500, and a $500 million annual turnover. This experience offers an incredible opportunity to learn from Regal’s international partners and see landscaping at a whole new scale.
The Japan tour prize includes airfares, accommodation, and $1,000 in spending money for the week-long trip.
Jodie Dean said, “Apprentices are a vital part of ensuring a strong, educated and innovative future for the industry. It is our hope that winners of Apprentice of the Year will be ambassadors and role models for current and future apprentices”.
The Landscape Association applications for the Awards have just opened for 2025. For more information on how to become involved, head to www.landscapeassociation.com.au or contact the TLA team on 02 9630 4844.