Building a career in landscape construction

Sarah carrying out on-site earthworks

Sarah, 26, initially worked in a plant nursery before deciding she wanted to move into landscaping. She applied for a role at New Concept Landscaping in Te Awamutu and when the offer of an apprenticeship was made, she jumped at the opportunity.

She says learning on the job has been a great option.

“I found the practical side of an apprenticeship easier; to learn by doing, rather than bookwork,” Sarah says. “The modules on earthworks requirements and concrete reinforcing were interesting, and I always like learning about plants.”

Sarah was supported through the apprenticeship by her employer James Bannister and Primary ITO Training Adviser Barb Cahalane.

“Barb was very helpful and super easy to get hold of if needed,” Sarah says.

Sarah completed her New Zealand Apprenticeship in Landscape Construction (Level 4) in late 2025. This came with a real sense of achievement.

Sarah's employer James Bannister, presents her with her NZ Apprenticeship in Landscape Construction

Sarah enjoys the variety of work as a landscaper, as no two days are the same. A typical week might involve concreting and earthworks, laying paving, planting, or building fences, decks or pergolas. New Concept offers the full service from advice and design to creation of the final product for residential and commercial clients across the Waikato.

For now, she is keen to keep building her experience and knowledge. In the next few years, she would like to learn more about landscape design.

James Bannister, owner of New Concept Landscaping, started the business in 2010 after becoming qualified and gaining experience in New Zealand and Australia.

James has encouraged three staff to complete Primary ITO training and he recommends it.

“It’s been straightforward and easy, with great support from our Training Adviser,” he says.

“Sarah was really proactive in getting her paperwork done and getting qualified. She’s been keen as to do it, and is now keen to learn more.”

Sarah operating the double drum roller on site

Primary ITO Training Adviser Barb Cahalane says Sarah was a dedicated learner.

“She was a model trainee and was really keen to get it done. She has a bright future ahead of her.”

Most of Sarah’s learning assessments were marked by Mark Orr, Primary ITO sector manager and a former landscaping business owner.

“I was impressed by her proactiveness in getting the assessments completed as learning opportunities became available on different job sites. I could see that she worked hard on site and was very motivated.”

Mark says the Primary ITO apprenticeship gives learners the chance to build skills on a range of job sites in real time.

Sarah enjoys the variety of landscaping. Pictured here, she is building a timber pergola.

About the apprenticeship

The NZ Apprenticeship in Landscape Construction (Level 4) provides a solid foundation of practical skills, technical knowledge and leadership abilities. 

•    Practical on-site skills: Apprentices gain hands-on experience in constructing timber features, laying a range of hard surfaces, planting and laying turf, installing drainage systems, and safely operating small machinery.

•    Technical knowledge: They learn to interpret landscape plans, understand materials and construction methods, and apply problem-solving skills to real-world site challenges.

•    Supervision and leadership: Apprentices develop the ability to plan and programme site workflows, provide guidance to others, and oversee quality and safety on projects.

•    Optional topics: Apprentices can also specialise in areas such as landscape lighting, irrigation systems, brick or block work, metal and rock features.

Learners are supplied with quality learning resources and are supported through the training by a Primary ITO Training Adviser, who works with the learner to develop a training plan, provides feedback and monitors progression.

For more information and to enrol anytime, click here.