Byron Bay locals will be given the hands-on skills and practical knowledge to tap into the growing horticulture industry as part of a new Certificate II in Horticulture offered at Byron Bay Connected Learning Centre.

The new TAFE NSW Connected Learning Centre opened in 2023, boosting training options in Byron Bay.  The new horticulture course offered through the centre will supply a new crop of skilled workers to several horticulture industry sectors in the region.

According to the Byron Shire’s economic profile, during 2020-2021, the total value of agricultural output, which includes the horticultural sectors in Byron Shire was $33m. The nursery and cut flower sectors accounted for 33.5 per cent of Byron Shire’s total output and was the region’s largest commodity.

The nation’s peak horticulture body has backed the TAFE NSW course aimed at “cultivating” careers in the industry amid a surge in interest in horticulture.

Australian Institute of Horticulture President Alan Burnell RH (Ret) said the Certificate II in Horticulture would help the local industry build a pipeline of workers to cater for growing demand.

“Horticulture is more than just a hobby. We’ve seen incredible growth in the horticulture industry over the past few years as people are increasingly looking for jobs that are more sustainable both environmentally and financially,” he said. 

TAFE NSW acting head teacher of horticulture Robert Davies said there is a particular need for horticulturists in the Byron Bay region.

“It’s great news that TAFE NSW is helping to train the next generation of horticulturists in Byron Bay. There are lots of job opportunities in the local nurseries that supply to the major city markets.

“Due to the year-round warmer climate, there is demand for nursery, cut flower, floral oil, and production horticulture sectors to supply products both locally and further afield to the Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne markets,” Mr Davies said.

The new course will be split between the Byron Bay Connected Learning Centre and TAFE NSW Wollongbar campuses, offering a mixture of theory and practical course work.

Practical lessons at the Bryon Bay Connected Learning Centre will focus on local native plants and species, trees and shrubs in a new garden surrounded by an Aboriginal yarning circle.

Enrolments for the Certificate II in Horticulture are open now, which commences on Tuesday 30 April.

For more information about TAFE NSW courses, visit www.tafensw.edu.au or call 131 601.

Media contact: Karen Farrell, TAFE NSW Communications Specialist, karen.farrell17@tafensw.edu.au, 0425 275 611.