How A Parks & Gardens Apprenticeship Set Up Joel's Career
Joel joined Solutions+ as an apprentice in 2006. Now he’s State Manager, and he leads teams across our maintenance business. After over 20 years with the company, Joel’s journey demonstrates where a Parks and Gardens Apprenticeship can lead for anyone taking their first step into the industry.
Joel’s Decision To Complete A Parks and Gardens Apprenticeship
Like many school leavers, Joel wasn’t sure what his career path looked like. What he did know was that he enjoyed working outdoors, being hands-on and seeing the results of a hard day’s work. With this in mind, the opportunity to do a parks & gardens apprenticeship appealed to him.
“It offered the opportunity to earn while I learned, gain practical skills and build a career in an industry where I could take pride in what I was creating,” says Joel.
Looking back, Joel says that not only did his Parks and Gardens Apprenticeship give him the opportunity to gain recognised qualifications while earning an income, but it also gave him valuable hands-on experience that helped shape the career he has today.
Building a Career from the Ground Up
By starting on the tools with our maintenance division, Joel gained a strong understanding of the work and the people he now leads. This firsthand experience means he can now relate to the challenges and opportunities his teams face every day.
One of the key moments in Joel’s career was being given the opportunity to step into a team leader role early on (pictured below during his time as a team leader). This gave him the chance to develop leadership skills, take on greater responsibility and continue building his career with Solutions+.
Joel's Advice for Future Apprentices
Joel’s advice for anyone considering an apprenticeship is simple.
“View your apprenticeship as an investment in yourself and your future,” he says. “While you might earn less than some of your friends in the short term, you’re gaining valuable skills, qualifications and experience that will create opportunities throughout your career.”
“Be willing to learn, ask questions, take on challenges and make the most of every opportunity. The 3–4 years you spend as an apprentice can set the foundation for a rewarding career and open doors you may not even realise exist today.”
What Keeps Him Passionate About The Industry
When asked what he enjoys most about the industry, Joel says “it’s the opportunity to leave a lasting legacy”.
“In our industry, we help create and maintain spaces that become part of people’s everyday lives—parks, schools, retirement villages, sporting fields and community spaces.”
“These are places where people make memories, spend time with family and friends, learn, play and connect with their communities. It’s rewarding to know that the work we do contributes to creating outdoor environments that people genuinely enjoy and benefit from for years to come.”
Could your career journey start the same way?
Joel’s story shows what’s possible when you’re willing to learn and embrace new opportunities. If you’re looking to build practical skills, earn while you learn and create a career with long-term opportunities, we’d love to hear from you. Simply contact us about starting your Parks & Gardens Apprentice here.
You can also find more information about a Parks & Gardens Apprenticeship here.
