Programmed, not just a job, it’s a career
Meet Ebony from Property Services. Ebony started her career as a Horticultural Apprentice for the Royal Botanic Gardens in Melbourne, where she won Apprentice of the Year. Following her apprenticeship, she began looking for the perfect role with a company that was the perfect fit. Ebony started with Programmed in April 2015 as a Gardener and what inspires us about her career journey is her relationship her manager and as a Playground Auditor how having an open career conversation led to her staying at Programmed and taking on a new career challenge .
We caught up with Ebony to find out more about her experience working for Programmed.
Having worked in the industry before , how did you find joining Programmed?
Programmed was one of the most professional looking companies I had ever worked for. From the way the management team looked and presented themselves, to the processes and protocols. I felt like I was in a much better company. I always felt like my manager was very supportive of me and my ambitions for the future. I had never really had this kind of support and this made me feel like I was an important cog in the wheel of Programmed. My Team leader at the time taught me some new parts of gardening which I had never learnt before and in return , got the opportunity to work at the I was teaching him things as well. While I spent two years in this role, I also got the opportunity to work at Melbourne University Burnley, which was a horticulture University with the most beautiful gardens, a private school, and other sites. The best thing about Programmed is meeting all different people from all backgrounds, knowledge and experience.
What made you want to change roles?
After spending two years in this role, I felt I needed a change. I wanted to challenge myself further and try something new. On my second anniversary with Programmed, I handed in my resignation in hopes of finding a fresh start. My manager at the time was determined to keep me with Programmed. He offered me a few jobs, but none of them seemed to fit. It was almost time for me to leave when I got a call from him with one final opportunity. He said that there was an opportunity at the City of Casey and the role involved working with playgrounds. I got in contact with the manager who was going to be running this contract and he talked it up a treat, I didn’t have much time to decide so once again I took another leap of faith.
What does your new role involve?
My new role is as a Playground Auditor for the City of Casey. We started by getting a Level 2 playground licence and then we jumped in the deep end. We were a close team of five, consisting of three playground Auditors and two reactive crew members. Our job as Playground Auditors is to clean the playgrounds and other assets around Casey and make sure all equipment is in safe and working order. I am the only female in this crew, but I have never felt out of place. For someone with next to no skill set with drills and other tools, my team were more than happy to teach and encourage me.
What were some of the challenges you faced at the beginning?
In the start, I didn’t feel very confident and I felt like I was failing, I kept getting rejections, and this put my head into a negative place. My new manager reminded me that I was still learning the ropes and he believed that I could do this, hearing this made me feel more confident. One of my team members took me under his wing and taught me a whole new skill set. I am very grateful to have met my manager and my team leader as they have had a huge impact on my career.
Tell us about the relationship you have had with your manager and the crew?
During my time at Programmed , I have always felt supported and valued. From someone who wanted to leave to someone who is very much interested in staying long term, I feel that this all comes down to the work environment, the crew that I love to work with, the job that I do and every manager I have had along the way . I love the fact that even though I needed a change, Programmed seemed to have another opportunity for me doing something completely different.
My manager always encourages me to be the best person and worker I possibly can be and encourages everyone in the crew to strive for the best. He listens to my goals and career to push forward.
What are your career ambitions in the future?
My ambitions would be to work myself into a management role at Programmed. I grew up watching my dad work from the bottom up in the company he works for and I feel that Programmed could be that company for me.
What advice would you give to women wanting to get into a trade?
To any young women looking for a career in a trade, I would encourage you to look at Programmed. Even if you’re not certain, I recommend taking the same leap of faith that I did. Programmed is such a welcoming, understanding, easy-going company who will exceed all your expectations. Programmed is not just a job, it’s a career.
