Ben Kirby

Landscaper

As one of our apprentices Ben works on site with NVL's Foremen constructing various landscape features.

What do you do at NVL?

I am a landscaper, so my role is to construct and create landscape features in outdoor areas as well as maintaining existing landscapes. I work on different projects and assist our Foremen where needed.

What has surprised you most about landscaping?

I was surprised by the amount of knowledge and skills there is to be learned through working as a landscaper. Tasks like sourcing and getting materials, seeing and understanding the process first-hand from start to finish and the amount of timber work completed.

What apprenticeship are you doing and why?

I am doing my Level 3 Horticulture – Landscape Construction Apprenticeship, which covers all aspects of landscaping such as planting, paving, timber features, drainage, and concreting. I chose to do this apprenticeship to broaden my experience and grow my landscaping knowledge.

How does your apprenticeship at NVL work?

I complete each unit by providing evidence of capability for each specific tasks that is to be completed on site. After the practical completion I then fill out my papers by explaining what I have learned on site. These papers then get marked.

Best thing about NVL?

Working with an awesome team. We are well looked after by management and have many great opportunities to get more skilled in a broad range of different tasks that we do as landscapers.