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Life as a First Year Apprentice at Corey Fox Landscaping - Meet Clayton
Why landscaping? What got you into the profession?
When I chose landscaping for my work experience, I saw it as a trade that didn't quite fit the mould of every other chippie, bricklayer or sparky. From my first week with the CFL team I knew this was a diverse trade with endless potential, and that every job site we set foot on would bring different possibilities.
How did you get started with Corey?
I got started with Corey through work experience at Shire Christian School. My brother had done work experience with CFL two years before me, so that pushed me towards it as well. By the end of my week on placement Corey offered me an apprenticeship, and the following week I started holiday work with him while I finished Year 10.
What do you love about the work, both as a landscaper and as part of the CFL team?
What I love is that there is always room to fine tune every part of the trade, especially the things you don't notice at first glance. From laying blocks and tiling to planting exotic species, I get to learn all the important one percenters from people like Corey and Matty, who are both veterans of the landscape construction industry, and from Kyle and Thal, who connect with me and my work on a different level.
What surprised you?
How much work it takes to create a firm foundation and a clean slate to build from. You start at the bottom and work your way up to the simple, perfected end product that Corey, the CFL team and I are all looking for. You have to do the hard yards to get anywhere in this trade.
What advice do you have for others considering the landscaping trade?
If you're considering taking on landscaping as a trade, just try. Talk, ask questions, be proactive, and walk and work with intent, which is something I learnt from Bailey and Tim. You're not going to be anywhere near perfect when you start, but don't sell yourself short by giving anything less than 110% to something you want to do as a career.
What do you think it takes to be successful in the industry?
Pay attention to the tradesmen and foremen (aka Sensei Matty) who have been doing the trade a lot longer and have perfected the way they do things. Try to follow in their footsteps, but also find your own way of doing things. Wake up in the morning with ambition for your own future in the trade, and keep at it. It won't happen straight away, but I look up to people like Corey and how he's built one of the most successful landscaping companies I know of.
What are the three most important characteristics of a landscaper?
Care about your work and take pride in it.
Be open to constructive criticism and feedback from your peers.
Learn to think like the people around you who are more knowledgeable, and take on the wisdom they've gained over the years.
