Building a skilled team top priority for landscaping business
22 January 2025
Creating stunning and functional outdoor spaces is all in a day’s work for Murphy Landscapes, who pride themselves on growing and developing their staff with the help of Primary ITO.
Experienced landscaper Brad Murphy set up the Auckland-based company in 2019, after completing his own apprenticeship through Primary ITO. He recognised the value of work-based training in developing his own skills and providing a solid foundation of knowledge, and the confidence that comes with it.
“I found the apprenticeship really good myself and I think it’s the bare minimum for a successful career in landscaping,” Brad says.
Brad (left) with Qualified Apprentice Max and Primary ITO Training Adviser, Tom
Murphy Landscapes specialise in high quality commercial landscaping, public spaces, and larger scale residential projects, as well as garden maintenance. Their work can be seen across Auckland, with projects they are most proud of including the Mt Eden boardwalk, and playgrounds at Ngākōroa School and Mangapikopiko School.
Since 2019 Brad has focused on growing the business and currently has four staff training with Primary ITO. He says having skilled staff is vital.
“It’s everything really. We need the right people in the right place to deliver our product. Having skilled staff to deliver high-quality products efficiently helps us to compete in the market.
“We pride ourselves on having skilled staff on site, and this creates a layering effect for the newer apprentices coming through.”
Brad says he notices a real difference from when an employee first comes on board to when they are qualified.
The most recent apprentice to become qualified is twenty-three-year-old Max Hutchison.
Max started at Murphy Landscapes in 2021 and was offered an apprenticeship a month later. He ticked off his NZ Apprenticeship in Landscape Construction through Primary ITO in April 2024.
“I’d always wanted to do landscaping,” Max says, “but wasn’t sure how to get into it. I enjoyed being outdoors and seeing outside spaces that looked really nice. I had been panel beating before I met Brad through his younger brother.
“I jumped at the opportunity to do an apprenticeship straight away.”
Max says the theory lined up with what he was doing as part of his day-to-day role.
“It’s been really good. You learn a lot, and the information in the workbooks is key to what you’re doing on the job.”
Recently Qualified Apprentice, Max Hutchinson
During the final year of his apprenticeship Max stepped up into a site foreman role.
“Managing jobs as a foreman, leading our team and being able to see a job progress from start to finish is really satisfying. I love all aspects of working in landscaping, there’s so much variety.
Newer recruit Liam Stewart, 22, initially worked at a golf course before joining the team at Murphy Landscapes. He started his apprenticeship in 2024 and is working towards his Level 3 certificate in Landscape Construction.
“I want to get qualified and expand my knowledge,” Liam says. “With the Primary ITO training you might be starting a landscaping job with not much experience, but you have a learning resource to refer to for tips and tricks.
“I love working outdoors, especially in summer. It’s the best time of year to be a landscaper! I enjoy the practical side, and we work with some great landscape architects. Our clients can’t stop thanking us.”
Liam credits the support he gets from his Primary ITO Training Adviser, his employer Brad and team leader Max as a big help on the job, and as he progresses through his training.
New Apprentice, Liam Stewart
The Primary ITO NZ Apprenticeship in Landscape Construction was updated in 2024 with new topics to reflect feedback from industry. It covers key skills and fundamentals including knowledge of hard and soft landscaping, site requirements including planning and preparation, developing and monitoring a workflow programme, and working in a team to implement a landscape design. Apprentices also learn how to communicate effectively and supervise a team.
The training can be tailored to meet the requirements of a particular business, with compulsory elements and a wide range of electives.
For more information or, to enquire about our landscape construction apprenticeship, click here.
Now is the perfect time to sign up for training, with up to 50% off fees for 2025. Terms and conditions apply - click here for more information.
There’s also great news for employers, with up to $6,000 back per year for each apprentice via the Apprenticeship Boost scheme. Find out more here.