Isobel - Landscaper

Hey!
You may have seen glimpses of me on social media, but now its time to introduce myself.

Hey, Im Isobel, also known as ‘that landscaping lady’ on social media. I am twenty four years old and currently just over eighteen months into my apprenticeship in Landscape Construction. Ten, five or even two years ago, I never would have imagined the girl in that photo would be me. So, how did I get here? 

Growing up I attended a school that was very academically driven. The pathway after school that was encouraged was to attend University. I always knew deep down that University or academic studies wasn't my thing, but it was the only path that I thought I could take. It wasnt that I was not smart, not switched on or a trouble maker, I just couldn’t reach my full potential in that environment. I’m a hands-on learner, and could achieve so much more when doing this.

Straight out of year twelve, I followed the path I thought I had to and started a Bachelor of Paramedicine at University. Whilst I soon found out this career pathway wasn’t for me, without doing this course I wouldn't have the life skills I have today, so I have no regrets. Additionally, during this degree was when I realised that I was able to excel in the areas that required hands-on work, but struggled to find the motivation or drive when it came to the academic course work. Unfortunately, I slowly fell behind the rest of my cohort which made me frustrated and upset. I would think, ‘if I didn’t finish this course, how was I going to make a living? How could I have a fulfilling career?’ It got to the point where I put my Paramedicine degree on pause (not ready to entirely give it away) to try out some different career options. During that two year period I worked as a PE Assistant, Boarding House Supervisor, Event Medic, Sports Coach and Outdoor Camp Educator. I loved all of the different careers I tried, but they all had one thing in common: they required a degree. 

So, there I was, stuck in a dilemma - what did I want to do and what can I do? I knew that I wanted a career that was fulfilling and tested my capabilities. The idea of becoming a ‘tradie’ had always floated around in the back of my head, but I ignored it because I thought it was never achievable for me. I didn't know any other female tradies. Was it a sustainable career pathway for a woman? All I knew was that ever since I was little you could always find me building things out of nothing, playing in the garden and loving every moment of it. 

Fortunately, through my local football club, I was introduced to someone who made it their mission to find me an apprenticeship. Not long after we met, he came to me with the suggestion of giving landscaping a go. I started off as a labourer, but it wasn't long until I was signing my name on a contract to start an Apprenticeship. I completed the first year of my apprenticeship at another company before making the move to Outdoor Society. 

And now here I am today, writing this blog to show you why choosing landscaping as a career is the best choice I could have ever made. I enjoy going to work everyday -  more than I could have ever imagined. What I now know is that becoming a landscaper isn't confined to any particular person. Landscaping is a job for everyone, this is just my story. It's time to create your own.