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As a horticulture apprentice at Deakin University, Tristan Krepp works with a team of three gardeners, maintaining a variety of areas including a golf course, sports fields, extensive gardens throughout the campus and large expanses of lawn. The role calls for stringent adherence to OH &S procedures and contact with contractors, other maintenance staff, academic and general staff plus over 1800 students.
Tristan stood out in his initial interview, in which his passion for gardening was obvious. This passion has proven to all who work with Tristan that he is definitely employed in the right industry. His thirst for knowledge and genuine interest in plants prepared him to quickly gain skills that have made him a valuable member of the team.
Tristan’s proven responsibility in many areas has earned him various projects to put into practice the skills he has developed at trade school. His apprentice role has helped grow his confidence in planning, design, site assessments and preparation through to planting, soil health, plant nutrition, general landscape installation and maintenance. Tristan shows confidence, initiative and maturity in his work.
Tristan is currently developing his skills by completing Certificate III in Horticulture (Parks and Gardens) at South West TAFE. His most recent report states: “He has a mature attitude towards his schooling and is a willing contributor in all practical activities. Tristan is up to date with all his school work”. He consistently receives “excellent” results in his appraisals from trade school.
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Tristan is now able to undertake a range of projects with little or no need for supervision. A roundabout garden in need of an overhaul was recently entrusted to Tristan with the instruction “to provide an attractive feature appropriate for a high traffic area, but be low maintenance and not pose a threat to traffic visibility”. The result is an attractive garden meeting all these requirements and is proving a standout feature of the campus.
Tristan is now an invaluable member of our team and an asset to the University.
Spiro Fatouros
Services Manager (Contracts and Grounds)
Facilities Services Division
Deakin University
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Mr Coverdale said demand for training had increased with a growing awareness of the quality of the services.”We have developed training programs especially for the needs of jobseekers requiring a more flexible approach to skills development,” he said.
Westvic has succeeded in its aim of better integrating its programs to strengthen services to customers and set a foundation for growth in coming years.
It has also collaborated with other agencies in successful programs such as In2Dairy and developed the workplace learning coordinator program in the Glenelg and Southern Grampians regions.
“We have continued to develop an appreciation of the employment and training marketplace to identify opportunities that match the needs of people and to build business to sustain our operations,” Mr Coverdale said.
The year ended on a strong financial footing as a result of increased business activity. Mr Coverdale said this would enable the Westvic Foundation to distribute more than $100,000 to support the local community.
Acting Chairperson Henry Bongers said improved networking within the organisation had created better outcomes for jobseekers wishing to further their employment and training opportunities.
Mr Bongers said Westvic had met or surpassed its targets in key areas of operation.
