A Clarence Valley student got their hands dirty and gained some valuable work experience while opening their eyes to Clarence Valley Council as a potential future employer when they leave school.
Koen Croft, a year 10 student, worked alongside our Sport Fields Teams in the Open Spaces Section during his work experience and learnt the ins and outs of how to keep our fields in prime condition throughout the different seasons.
"The team were very friendly and great at teaching new skills and I really enjoyed being taught how to use the different mowing equipment, like the tractor to fertilise the football fields.
"I learnt how to maintain golf courses and cricket pitches which I thought was great."
Koen has been interested in landscaping for a while now and enjoys working outside so when he saw Clarence Valley Council had work experience opportunities available, he jumped at the chance.
"I enjoy working outdoors and it felt like a good fit for me, so I am hoping to get an apprenticeship in the Open Spaces team next year."
Koen worked alongside Senior Field Operator (Greenkeeper) John Causley, who said Koen was a pleasure to work with and teach.
"Koen displayed lots of enthusiasm and was a great asset to our team. He assisted with the granular fertiliser application to Iluka's Ken Leeson Oval, he joined me for inspections and debris removal of sports fields as well as cleaning the Ellem Oval fence in Grafton.
"You could really tell he was keen to learn more and was always a polite, respectful young man.
"I wouldn't hesitate to recommend him to future employers, and I hope to see him as one of our apprentices next year."
