Miss Pemberton is one of three finalists in the Victorian Training Awards Apprentice of the Year category, to be presented in October.

The 30-year-old won South West TAFE's (SWTAFE) Apprentice of the Year Award 2021 after completing a Certificate III in Parks and Gardens. She was shortlisted and interviewed, qualifying for the state finals.

The Camperdown resident said the nomination was a surprise and it was an honour to be a finalist, regardless of the outcome.

"As soon as I have my mind set on something I keep working towards it and doing the best I can," Miss Pemberton said. "It's nice to be acknowledged for doing that."

She said every day was different and she'd gained knowledge and skills in areas including tree maintenance, plant nutrition, irrigation systems, weed, pest and disease control, pruning and applying chemicals.

"I never thought I'd get this far," she said. "I like to learn and do everything I can. For me it's just normal. To be recognised is very rewarding."

She said it wasn't a career she'd aspired to, more so one she fell into, but said she couldn't be happier.

The qualified hairdresser, who was also named SWTAFE Apprentice of the Year for hairdressing years earlier, was forced to give up the job she loved after developing a serious allergic reaction to the chemicals she used.

She tried a few different jobs over the years and said it wasn't until an offer came up with Corangamite Shire's parks and gardens team, that it sparked a passion she never knew she had.

She's the only female in a team of 60 men who work in the outdoors teams, a stark contrast to her time as a hairdresser when she worked with nine other women.

Miss Pemberton said this course was just the beginning and she wants to study a Diploma of Horticulture and management courses to lead her own team one day.

"I just hope that I have become a role model and shown people the importance of education and hard work," she said.

The 2021 Victorian Training Awards winners are due to be announced on October 16.

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