Creating stunning and functional outdoor spaces is all in a day’s work for Murphy Landscapes, which prides itself on growing its staff – with help from 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,” says Brad.
“It’s so important that young people are getting as much training as they can, especially as landscaping is so broad. The theory is so important and the offsite training is really valuable too.”
All-round ability
Murphy Landscapes specialises in high-quality commercial landscaping, public spaces and larger-scale residential projects, as well as garden maintenance. Since the beginning, Brad has focused on growing his 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 efficiently deliver high-quality products 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.”
Skill development
Brad says he notices a real difference from when an employee first comes on board to when they are qualified.
“The confidence is huge; it’s awesome to see. They contribute more and their enjoyment of the job shows even more.”
Twenty-three-year-old Max Hutchison 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 2024.
Max says the theory lined up with what he was doing as part of his day-to-day role.
“It has been really good. You learn a lot and the information in the workbooks is key to what you’re doing on the job.”
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. “Doing the apprenticeship has given me more confidence and helped me to build knowledge, so I can look at a job and know what to do.”
Qualification is king
Brad is keen to see all of the apprentices get qualified.
“Once they’re finished, we’ll have a really good layer of experience in our team. We’ll be able to bring on new apprentices in years to come, and they’ll be well looked after.”
The Primary ITO NZ Apprenticeship in Landscape Construction was updated in 2024. It covers hard and soft landscaping, site requirements, workflow programmes, communication and supervision skills, and working in a team to implement a landscape design.
Find information about apprenticeships, Fees Free for learners, and the Apprenticeship Boost government subsidy for employers at primaryito.ac.nz.
Primary ITO Te Pūkenga offers landscaping apprenticeships andLevel 2, 3 and 4 programmes. Visit primaryito.co.nz, phone 0800 20 80 20, or email info@primaryito.ac.nz for more information.