Apprentice of the Year

Sponsored By: Victorian Skills Commission

Winner: Ben Trend - Esjay Landscapes

Judge's Comments:

"All candidates presented this year were of a very high calibre, and in any other year numerous entrants could have succeeded, such was the quality seen. 

However, Ben Trend, of Esjay Landscapes, stood out amongst the quality field of entrants for a number of reasons.  A mature aged fourth year apprentice who, in only his second year as an apprentice, showed great leadership characteristics to be entrusted to successfully run advanced landscape projects on time, on budget and with excellent client liaison.  Ben is a valuable member of the Esjay team not only for his project management skills, but also his ability to impart influence on a positive company culture at Esjay.
Ben has taken on responsibilities and work within Esjay well beyond the realms of an apprentice, and in many cases a qualified landscaper, with Esjay’s director, Sam Collie, looking at Ben to step up into taking on a senior position within the firm."