Gardener Streats ahead at awards

PASSIONATE young gardener Sebastian Streat has been named 2022 school-based apprentice/trainee of the year.

Celebrated during the Apprenticeship Employment Network Victoria’s Apprentice Training Awards in Melbourne, Mr Streat was recognised for his dedication, enthusiasm, and attention to detail in his certificate II landscaping studies with The Gordon and BGT Jobs and Training.

“I learnt so much and made wonderful friends,” he said. I enjoyed every bit of my traineeship, and I didn’t want it to end.

“My host employer’s support was truly amazing. I have autism and they were so understanding and helped me so much.

“I love my gardening. I have clients of my own and take so much pride in my work. They say, ‘do a job that you love,’ and I sure do love my gardening.”

Mr Streat said having the opportunity to work in gardens is his “everything.”

He’s learning how to trim trees, and his aims are to gain a stronger understanding about how to use gardening equipment, how to keep the tools in top-working condition, and to secure an apprenticeship.

Horticulture teacher with The Gordon, John Tucker, congratulated Mr Streat for all he’s achieved this year.

“We knew he could do it,” he said. “He was never, ever afraid to ask a question… and is a well worthy winner, that’s for sure.”

Global Apprenticeship Network Australia and AEN executive director Gary Workman said all the award nominees displayed outstanding skill and commitment.

“It is inspiring hearing their stories and the adversity they’ve had to overcome that led them to undertake an apprenticeship,” he said.

“It is fantastic to celebrate their passion, resilience, and hard work as they build employability skills and move into jobs with long-term career prospects.

“I am pleased that we can show appreciation and gratitude to the apprentices and trainees, our members and host organisations working together to tackle skills shortages in Australia.

“It is important that we continue to provide pathways to youth and provide them with the tools to assist them to make an informed choice into further study or employment pathways in vocational industries.”

From 100 nominations, 38 people were Apprentice Training Awards finalists this year.