AHC30916 Certificate III in Landscape Construction

Nicholas Borland

Training Objective

Nicholas wanted to be employed. He realised that he needed some practical experience and skills relevant to the construction industry to successfully gain employment.

The Challenge

Nick was shy and refrained from speaking up in class discussions, finding it challenging to communicate with others.

Our Approach

Nick was talented and dedicated to learning. As the trainer and other students’ encouraged Nick to participate in the classroom discussions and talk about the practical tasks, he began to recognise his ability and competency in these core skills, increasing his confidence.

The Results

Nick gained the belief needed in himself that he had what it takes to become permanently employed; gaining a Tiling Apprenticeship before he had even completed the course and a Certificate III in Landscape Construction (AHC30916).

“I did the Success Connect course to gain some practical experience and hopefully gain something good out of it.  What I actually got was self-confidence, improved communication skills, and landscaping skills that provided an employment pathway to an apprenticeship.”

BSB30215 Certificate III in Customer Engagement

Ashleigh Morrison

We sat down with Ashleigh, a graduate of our BSB30215 Certificate III in Customer Engagement course. Here’s what she had to say!

A bit of background. Ashleigh’s company is being bought out by a larger, interstate company later this year. She wanted to better her chances of a promotion and to prove her skills and abilities to the incoming workers. So, she decided to complete  a formal qualification.

What was your motivation to study?

I have many years’ experience in the field I studied but did not have any formal training or qualification. I can now submit my certificate to my employer and for future job applications to back up my experience.

What did you most enjoy about the course?

The learning material was well laid out and easy to navigate, I enjoyed the interactive slides also.

How did you approach your course?

I set myself a deadline to have all units completed by and then averaged how long I had to complete each unit to achieve the deadline. I did have trouble at times putting the time aside to study however when I made it a priority and got stuck into it, I was surprised at much I could complete!

How did you find our support?

From the day of signing up to submitting my last unit, the whole FTA team kept in touch and checked in with me often. The support I received was fantastic.
The learning material and assessments were so comprehensive that I didn’t need support however I knew that if I did require it, it was there!

What’s the goal from here?

Although I was experienced in the field of my study I still learnt some valuable skills and tips to succeed in my role. I am hoping to achieve a promotion now that I have this qualification.

Do you have a piece of advice for other students?

To make a goal on time to spend on your study and stick to it! Life can get in the way but if you make studying a priority, you will finish it in no time. Also, to reach out to the trainers at any time, they are so supportive and helpful!

“Throughout my course I was in constant contact with Joanne and Amy (who are both amazing!), they checked in with me often and responded promptly to any questions I had. This is exactly what you want from a trainer and something I hadn’t experienced from any other RTO.

Every unit I submitted was marked the next day (if not the same day). The learning material is comprehensive and easy to understand. The RPL process was easy and efficient. I won’t go anywhere else for future certificates!”

CPC31311 Certificate III in Floor and Wall Tiling

Gary Roberts

Background

Research shows¹ that lifelong learning yields significant wider benefits for individuals, including their health and wellbeing. Vocational qualifications offer people important, relevant technical qualifications, and help develop important soft skills such as communication, self-management and resilience – which businesses increasingly desire.

Savvy apprentices / trainees and other vocational learners who earn while they learn, also enjoy the benefits of on-the-job training, and in particular contrast, have the financial independence than those who have taken the university route, lumbered with debt at the conclusion of their studies.

The Challenge

“I didn’t think I was smart enough to get qualified”

Gary’s story is not unlike many mature tradesman working in the construction industry today. Gary has been employed for twenty years with Jacaranda Services. Working alongside Bryce (his employer), Gary was exposed to full learning over this period of time. Whilst Gary was encouraged over those years to ‘get qualified’ his deep and crippling self-belief that he was ‘not smart enough’ to actually gain a qualification, left him ‘working in the cracks’ of his industry – Wall and Floor Tiling.

Gary conducted and produced work of a tradesperson, knowing the ins and outs of his trade, he was able to develop his skills and knowledge in a very practical sense. Over the years, Gary’s self belief or self-sabotage of his inability to move forward with a vocational qualification, left him getting older, as the industry changed around him, and the desire for Bryce to step back – time and pressure on Gary was mounting.

Gary had some learning challenges around reading and writing – this also supported his belief of his inability to undertake let alone complete any qualification.

The Results

“You just have to do it…it’s changed everything!”

Through encouragement, support and a shift in belief, Gary was able to complete a Certificate III in Floor and Wall Tiling Apprenticeship (CPC31311).

“I achieved my qualification and have secured my future in the business, as my employer in time, will be handing over the business to me to operate, now being qualified I am more confident in doing so.”

CPC30211 Certificate III in Carpentry Graduate

Elliot Tippett

Background

Elliot had started in a carpentry trade early in his career however, after three years he decided to make the move to Canberra and pursue a boilermaker trade. Stopping 1-year shy of completing his Carpentry course.  He didn’t want to leave his Carpentry trade hanging, so committed to completing his qualification, recognising the value it would bring him as a qualified carpenter.

Training Objective

Elliot’s driving force was that he wanted to set himself apart from the rest. Successfully completing his Carpentry Trade Certificate would result in Elliot holding a dual trade qualification, allowing him to further his career.

The Challenge

Elliot was eager to gain his qualification as quickly as possible. Passionate about drawing knowledge from others to help broaden his own, Elliot was extremely committed to his goal and used the support of FTA and experience of his Trainer Andrew to achieve his qualification.

Our Approach

Elliot often commented on the flexibility that completing the course at his own pace offered him. Knowing that Elliot was keen to become Trade qualified, our Head office team and dedicated trainer, Andrew ensured that Elliott received the support he needed to complete his qualification and fulfill his dream.

Elliot was thankful that his and Andrew’s schedules complimented each other, commenting on the fact Andrew was only a phone call away (even in the first week of the New Year!).

The results

Elliot has successfully completed his CPC30211 Certificate III in Carpentry and has landed a supervising role in Alice Springs. Elliot is always keen to broaden his knowledge and would like to continue studying in the future.

“Just get in and do it!”

RII40715 Certificate IV in Civil Construction Supervision

Nicholas

Here’s what Nicholas had to say about his study with us!

Why did you want to do the course? What is the goal?

To better myself – now and in the future. You know we aren’t getting any younger and I don’t see myself rattling around in these machines for the rest of my life!

Was the payment plan helpful?

You know, I’m a married man, my wife is pregnant and we’ve got three kids plus I play footy and stuff like that, so yes, the payment plan worked out awesome.

Every week I rang you guys, it was like catching up with mates!

What’s your advice to others in the same boat?

Just talk to the trainer and ask! Like I’m halfway through and I’m a spastic at writing but I’m writing my ass off to get it done. Even just to touch base with the trainer once a week to see how things a going, it gives me the drive to keep doing and keep going.

Plus getting the congrats and a bit of props from you guys too, you know, I am stoked that I’ve done it but it’s different when others notice too.

How are you finding working with Grant your Trainer?

Yep Grant is great, it’s cool that he is so flexible. If it’s a crazy day onsite and it’s hard to get access to a machine, he’ll just say no stress I’ll catch you next week!

You guys are legends. Heather, Grant and everyone I’ve spoken to are so helpful. You guys have a can-do attitude – whatever the hurdles, there’s always a way around it. Just hearing you guys say that gives me the confidence to get in and do it too!

AHC30916 Certificate III in Landscape Construction

Mitchel Thompson

Training Objective

Mitchel wanted to gain competency in skills that he could apply to cabinet making and shop fitting, as these were the industries he was seeking employment in.

The Challenge

Mitchel was enthusiastic about the program but was reluctant to ask for help when he didn’t understand a topic and often became disruptive in class.

Our Approach

Mitchel required one on one mentoring to provide the guidance to keep him focused and on track to successfully complete the program. Our trainer took the time to explain to Mitchel what the impact of his behaviour was on himself and the other students, and reminded him of why he had chosen to do the program in the first place.

The Results

Mitchel gained competency and a belief in himself through the training, encouragement and support that he received.  He attained a Certificate III in Landscape Construction (AHC30916) and secured employment as an Apprentice Shopfitter.

“I did the Success Connect course because it sounded like fun. I wanted to meet new people and get a qualification under my belt. What I actually got was a confidence boost and the encouragement to find my own employment, which got me an apprenticeship.”

AHC30916 Certificate III in Landscape Construction

Kara Bathgate-Rogers

Training Objective

Kara wanted exposure to core skill sets used in the construction industry to gain confidence in her practical abilities, to successfully gain employment in this new sector.

The Challenge

Kara had been out of the workforce after 5 years working at Domino’s Pizza and wanted a career change.  Needing the practical skills and experience to work in the construction industry she lacked confidence in approaching employment in this trade.

Our Approach

Kara needed practical experience to teach her core construction skills. One on one training time ensured she understood all concepts being trained, increasing her confidence over the duration of the course.

The Results

Kara gained confidence through the encouragement and support of the trainer and other students.  She successfully improved her knowledge and skills in the construction industry and gained a Certificate III in Landscape Construction (AHC30916) and secured employment with a Tiling Apprenticeship.

“I wanted exposure to the construction industry to gain more practical skills.  Through the Success Connect program I gained self-confidence in the workplace, improved my construction knowledge and landscaping skills, and gained employment through a tiling apprenticeship.”

RII60615 Advanced Diploma of Civil Construction

David S.

Another extremely dedicated and experience Civil Construction expert, David completed the RII60615 Advanced Diploma of Civil Construction with us. Seee what he had to say about the training!

What was the one thing you found most valuable from your training?

There are always positives in Training. Grant, out Trainer, had great knowledge of the content and was very easy to deal with. He was extremely helpful in letting us understand what was needed and how to go about it all.

What advice would you give others considering upskilling?

My advice would be to go to Foundation Training Australia. I’ve worked all over Australia and done a lot of Training through other providers and haven’t come across a Trainer so skilled and professional as Grant is.

Anything we could have done better?

No. All very professionally handled.

AHC30916 Certificate III in Landscape Construction

David Shaw

Training Objective

David is like so many employees who have been in the workforce for a number of years, but never had the opportunity or desire to undertake a qualification; as in the majority of cases, formal qualifications were not required. Recognising the changing landscape of what employers want, David sought to gain a formal qualification that would recognise and develop his landscaping skills.

The Challenge

At the commencement of the Program, David was unemployed and indifferent about his future employment. He wished to make a change in his life, gaining employment would aid the change, but he also needed to change his mindset, as this was holding him back from moving forward in his life.

Our Approach

It was evident from the start that David was committed to put in the effort to achieve his goals. Throughout the Program, he was a guiding influence on all the other students in the course, as he was able to offer valuable insights by drawing on his experience and applying this to tasks at hand. His ability to influence developed his confidence and motivated him to show up every day of the Program and achieve his goals. It gave his day meaning.

The Results

David gained the motivation to change his life for the better. By the support and encouragement of other students and the FTA staff, he was empowered to complete and graduate with not only a certificate under his belt, but ventured out and found an excellent opportunity helping on a local farm.

“The Success Connect Course intrigued me because I wanted a qualification that I can show to employers. What I actually got was the motivation to get out of the house and the opportunity to refresh my skills. This course helped me gain the confidence to speak with employers face to face and gain employment.”

RII60615 Advanced Diploma of Civil Construction

Chris S.

Chris is highly expereienced in the civil construction space and completed the RII60615 Advanced Diploma of Civil Construction with us. See what his advice to others getting into the space is!

What was the one thing you found most valuable from your training?

Grant, our Trainer was pretty good, had a strong understanding and knowledge of the package.

How did you find your trainer Grant?

My Trainer was really good and approachable. I rang him a couple times after business hours with a few queries and he pointed me in the right direction. He was very helpful!

Any Advice for others looking to upskill in the industry?

There is a lot of knowledge and skill that people don’t obtain from just training but also their experience. If I was to go back 10 years I would keep a lot more paperwork on the things you do throughout your career. To help with the RPL (recognition of prior learning) process.

Did you like the RPL process?

Pretty straight forward – the questions are there and it’s just a matter of collecting the evidence for it.

How are we different to other Training Providers in your experience?

The certificate in a frame was a pretty clever move! Yeah it was a great sense of achievement.

Did you like the Tradie card?

Yes, definitely.

Any feedback for us?

Grant, my Trainer was really supportive through the whole course. There was a quick-turnaround – I was impressed.

AHC30916 Certificate III in Landscape Construction

Finn Russell

Training Objective

Finn wanted to learn new skills that could be applied to different trades to get a better understanding of what he wanted to do and gain practical experience that would help him successfully gain employment.

The Challenge

At the start of the course, Finn was unemployed and had been in and out of labouring jobs.  Eager to gain an apprenticeship in the construction industry to improve his skills in order to become a fully qualified tradesman, he committed to completing this program as a key step towards achieving his goal.

Our Approach

Finn was committed from day one about what he wanted to achieve.  FTA set up one on one mentoring and provided guidance on creating a resume and applying for jobs in a professional manner to introduce him to our connections in the industry.

The Results

By the end of the course, Finn gained confidence in his abilities successfully gaining a Certificate III in Landscape Construction (AHC30916) qualification and a Carpentry apprenticeship.

“I wanted to learn and experience a range of different skills to work out what I liked doing in a trade and to also improve the skills I have to get more permanent work. I got great one on one mentoring and was introduced to an employer who offered me full time work as a carpenter apprentice.

AHC30916 Certificate III in Landscape Construction

Kelsie Holland

Training Objective

Kelsie wanted to learn new things and have a qualification under her belt, in order to successfully gain employment.

The Challenge

Kelsie had been unemployed and was eager to gain employment in the construction industry. She lacked confidence applying for jobs as she had been told her age was a barrier.

Our Approach

The Success Connect program provided coaching around approaching potential employers, guidance on how to present herself and overcome objections, and the necessary practical experience to gain confidence in herself and her abilities.

The Results

By the end of the course, Kelsie achieved a Certificate III in Landscape Construction (AHC30916) and just as important; the self-assurance and competency to put her learning into action and go out and find employment for herself as a bricklayer’s labourer.

I wanted training that would give me a qualification and the confidence to get a job in the construction industry.  I worked my ass off, but learnt the skills needed to land a brick laying job – I’m killing it!  

AHC30916 Certificate III in Landscape Construction

Jesse Krueger

Training Objective

Jesse had no skills, knowledge or experience. In order to have a better opportunity in gaining employment, he needed to invest his time in developing skills that would increase the opportunity of gaining employment. Jesse also needed to show the Trainer that he could commit to arriving on time every day, show respect for his other classmates by being open to learning new tools and techniques of some hands on skills.

The Challenge

Jesse was an existing unemployed individual and wanted to enter the workforce, and in particular he wanted to gain employment in the construction industry. His challenge was that he didn’t possess the required basic on-site skills, confidence in applying for employment and understanding best practice interview skills.

Our Approach

The Success Connect program pushes and encourages students to come out of their ‘known zone’ and better themselves for the future. We supported Jesse in his knowledge growth and shared workplace practices that he could readily apply when completing practical tasks.

The Results

As Jesse’s confidence grew throughout the program, his hard work and determination also shone through allowing him to develop the skills needed to gain entry into the construction industry. Jesse can now put these skills into practice as he successfully secured employment as a fencing labourer.

“ I enrolled in the Success Connect course to gain some practical experience in the construction industry. I enjoyed everything about it! I was able to build new friendships whilst gaining strong landscaping and confident resume writing skills along the way, which helped me gain the confidence to find employment.”

AHC30916 Certificate III in Landscape Construction

Jayden Bashford

Training Objective

Jayden had been out of work for some time and was eager to gain full time employment. He recognised that he needed to upskill in order to meet the requirements of employers within the landscaping industry. Jayden’s Job Active Consultant recommended he enrol in the Success Connect program, advising him this was the best way he could increase his chances of employment.

The Challenge

Jayden’s biggest challenge was that he was under qualified and as a result struggling to find employment. Despite this, he demonstrated a strong determination and willingness to learn – an attitude that would make success possible.

Our Approach

We make no apologies for the level of commitment we require from our program participants. Whilst enrolled, this program is regarded as ‘their job’ and our expectation of their commitment, attitude and level of participation is no different. Our trainer guided Jayden on how to effectively work in life-like situations, with different team members and as a group. We ensured that Jayden had the knowledge and understanding of all skills and practices demonstrated throughout the course, to ensure he achieved a fun and fulfilling training experience.

The Results

Through our encouragement and support, Jayden developed strong team work skills and collaborated well within the group and at times became the leader, coordinating and communicating effectively. With this practice Jayden was confident in his abilities and went on to obtain full time employment as a landscaper.

“ I was eager and determined to get back into the workforce. Foundation Training Australia’s Success Connect Program was an incredibly enjoyable experience where the team guided me through the right steps to take. Thanks to them, I have now gained a full time job as a landscaper!”

AHC30916 Certificate III in Landscape Construction

Reese H.

Background

Reese has completed his Landscape Constrction qualification with us and is now completeing the QBCC required business unit needed to apply for his Structural Landscapers licence.

What was the goal?

I want to expand my business and need licencing to further my scope on contracts.

Advice to others in the same boat

My advice would be to call FTA because they make things happen. I’ve done my Landscape qual with them and then when I wanted to go for my QBCC licence, I called up and asked what I needed to do and they were onto it. Ran through the course info, identified some funding for me and got me going. No hassle, no issues, just let’s get moving.

How did you finding working with your Trainer, Gareth?

Gareth was really great. He came out to site, ran through a few things and went over the RPL process with me. He came to site to see what I was doing he knew where my skills were at and then I just needed to gap train what I didn’t know.

Where to Next for you?

Now, I’m going for my QBCC licence which will get me into highway work on large commercial jobs.

“I found that whenever I hadn’t touched my study for a while, you’d give me a call and help me get started again. I only have positive words for you guys. You guys are just super helpful and match my motivation to get it done. You know, I’ve got two young kids at home and they’re certainly motivation for me to build the business.”