10 Jan 2025
Our People
Renewal SA's Works Program is proving a gateway for aspiring GreenInc landscapers Mitchell Barnes and Zane Hyslop within the Playford Alive project in Adelaide’s northern suburbs.
Mitchell was the recipient of the 2021 Playford Alive Local Hero Award for Best Trainee or Apprentice Working with an Employer (GreenInc.) His story reflects the initiative’s transformative impact. He entered through the yourtown pre-employment program and the Works Program, where his dedication propelled him into an apprenticeship at GreenInc, while studying a Certificate III in Landscape Construction at Tafe SA Urrbrae.
Mitchell's enthusiasm and ambition reflect his commitment to a long-term career in the field.
"Landscape is probably the best thing that's happened to me."
"Landscape is probably the best thing that's happened to me," Mitchell says. "I absolutely love being outdoors, love planning, love doing my job. I'm learning a whole heap of new skills; it's changed my life completely. I’ll hopefully work up the ranks to be supervisor or project manager – I see myself staying at GreenInc for a good 20 to 30 years.”
Zane also highlights the program's positive influence following a similar pathway to Mitch. Recently becoming a homeowner in Playford Alive, Zane credits the program for his newfound stability and success.
GreenInc Northern Operations Manager, Hamish Small says these programs play an important role in providing young people with a strong foundation for their future careers.
“We’re not only building communities, were building promising futures for our staff as well," Hamish remarks. "They're installing plants and large commercial irrigation systems, operating machinery, mulching, turfing… it’s physical work, but it also involves a lot of critical preparation and planning. The correct use of laser levels and other tools of measurement, as well as an increased botanical knowledge is just the beginning - and all while working in the great outdoors!"
"There's no place we'd rather be working than at GreenInc,” Hamish says.
Mitchell's and Zane's stories serve as inspiring testaments to the power of initiatives like yourtown and the Works Program in nurturing talent, fostering career growth, and transforming lives.
As Mitchell encourages: “Get your name out there and work yourself up the ranks. You start from scratch but give it years, put hard yakka in, and you'll get there in the end.”
Both Mitchell and Zane were referred to GreenInc to fulfill work experience commitments with GreenInc’s Renewal SA contract at Playford Alive. Mitchell will complete his apprenticeship in 2025 and Zane will complete his apprenticeship in 2027.
*Image, article and video courtesy of Renewal SA.
