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In the lead up to the Australian Training Awards on 19 November, MEGT is celebrating the achievements of all our apprentices and trainees who have won state-level awards and who will be competing for a national title this week. Today we celebrate the winner of the state-level Australian Apprentice of the Year Award for Victoria:
Chris Henbery
Qualification: Certificate III in Horticulture (Retail Nursery)
Employer: Gardenworld Nursery
Chris Henbery moved to Australia from the UK four years ago and up until that point had spent much of his working life as a banker in London. After arriving in Australia with his wife and young son, Chris took the opportunity to change careers and follow his passion for horticulture, a risky decision at the time, but one Chris is glad he made as he now spends each day working in an industry he loves.
Within the first year of working and training at Gardenworld Nursery, Chris’ love for his work started to be recognised.
In 2012, he was awarded a Nursery and Garden Industry Victoria (NGIV) scholarship and in 2013 he won the Swinburne University of Technology Outstanding Apprentice of the Year along with a bronze medal for his garden design at the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show. Chris has also received the 2013 NGIV Apprentice of the Year Award and in 2014, won an Academic Achievement Award from Swinburne for his high standard of work.
Inspired by Chris’ story and want to take the first steps towards a career you love?
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Chris credits the combination of on-the-job experience and studies for his success, as well as the opportunity to be doing something different every day. He is now a fully qualified horticulturist and after such a positive experience as an apprentice, he hopes to someday open his own nursery and provide the same opportunities to upcoming apprentices as he has been able to experience.
Taking a chance and pursuing your passion is something Chris firmly believes in. When asked what his advice would be for someone considering taking up an apprenticeship, Chris says “go for it. Just do it. You’ll always find plenty of reasons not to but regardless of your doubts go for what you love. If you work at it, it will always work out.”
We wish Chris all the best for this week’s national awards!
