The 22-year-old was selected from more than 350 trade students at Kangan Batman TAFE campuses.

Mr Todd, now a second year landscape gardening apprentice with Macedon's SBJ Landscapes, said he was surprised and stoked over the award.

"It lets you know you're heading in the right direction and can get to where you want to go in the future."

SBJ Landscapes owner Scott O'Brien said it was a great achievement for Dale, who was among the first two apprentices employed by the business.

"We're keen to employ apprentices from the area. It's a challenge at times, but it is very rewarding when things like this happen."

Mr Todd said the recognition made the early starts and long, hard labour typically associated with many trades worth it.

"We do a lot of work with stone and slate. It's pretty physical stuff. Working for someone like Scott, who has had his own business since he was 21, is good.

"Having a good boss teaches you the right way to do things and makes it enjoyable to come to work."

After completing his three-year apprenticeship, Mr Todd hopes to one day follow in the footsteps of his boss and run his own landscape gardening business, specialising in slate and stone work.