Two students from Warragul and District Specialist School have helped spruce up the civic parks in Warragul and Drouin for the spring season.
As part of Baw Baw Shire council's student placement program facilitated through Baw Baw Latrobe Local Learning and Employment Network, Liam and Melvin undertook work experience with shire open space maintenance officers and both thoroughly enjoyed what they did and learnt.
Liam looked forward to getting out of bed at 6am each day to get ready for work helping landscape garden beds around the West Gippsland Arts Centre in Warragul including choosing and ordering the plants and was particularly pleased to use a leaf blower for the first time.
Melvin, who did his placement at Drouin's Civic Park, said he appreciated the responsibility and the confidence it gave him to pursue landscaping as a career after he finishes school.
He particularly learned the importance of safety on the job, the need to wear personal protection equipment such as gloves, glasses and ear plugs, and of putting out safety signage before starting work.
Their teacher at the specialist school said Liam and Melvin's personal growth was noticeable since their work experience.
Mayor Annemarie McCabe said council was thrilled to have the students involved where they were able to test their interests in several fields and learn of potential career pathways in local government.