Giving back through growing skills

2026-05-14

For more than five years students from The Gordon’s Landscaping program have combined hands‑on learning with community engagement through a long‑standing partnership with Samaritan House Geelong. 

Through this partnership students apply their coursework in a live setting, gaining practical experience that directly benefits the Samaritan House community.

Working on site students have actively enhanced the outdoor spaces used by residents every day. Projects have included landscaping works such as mulching, planting, cultivating garden beds, edging and ongoing grounds maintenance, all designed to improve both functionality and visual appeal.

The Gordon’s Landscaping program students in action digging and working, planting trees.

Students have also been involved in the installation of shared outdoor spaces that provide a welcome place for guests to relax and connect. These include a timber terrace with seating, a sheltered barbeque and a basketball court, designed for year‑round use.

For students, the experience offers more than practical skills development. Working on a live community site helps build confidence, teamwork and communication skills, whilst deepening students’ understanding of how their trade can make a positive contribution beyond the classroom.

It’s a great opportunity for students to get out of the classroom, apply their skills and see the impact of their work in a real environment, It reinforces the value of the course, where technical skills, teamwork and community awareness come together. 

--Landscaping Teacher Anth Johnstone.

Through this partnership landscape apprentices at The Gordon gain valuable hands‑on experience while contributing to greener spaces within the local community. If you are looking for a career outdoors, applications are now open to study Horticulture at The Gordon starting in July.