A former real estate agent from Argentina has turned to TAFE NSW to help bolster his thriving landscaping business’ succession plan.

According to Jobs and Skills Australia, about 5,000 roles are forecast to be added to the gardening industry each year, and TAFE NSW is delivering a pipeline of workers to meet this industry demand through its Diploma of Landscape Design.

Juan Agustin Tolosa Paz worked as a real estate agent in his home city Buenos Aires in Argentina before moving to Sydney in 2015.

“It was a very good life in Buenos Aires, but it was stressful because of the economic situation,” he said.

“I decided to move on and change pace, and I knew I was capable of enjoying a career in landscaping, so I started my own garden maintenance and landscaping business.”

But with the physical demands of the job now taking their toll, Mr Tolosa Paz is pivoting his career. “I’m getting older. I want to use my brain more in my work and do less of the physical labour, so I decided to study landscape design at TAFE NSW,” he said.

“Studying at TAFE NSW has given me the practical skills I need to succeed as a landscape designer and diversify my business. I’ve made very good relationships with teachers and industry people that have helped me develop connections to further my career.”

TAFE NSW Landscape Design Head Teacher, Andrew Hewitt, said landscape design is a career growing in demand.

“It’s an exciting and dynamic career, and through TAFE NSW we’re providing the practical skills graduates need to secure a job that helps meet industry demand,” he said. “It’s incredibly rewarding to see people from different backgrounds, such as Juan, develop their skills and grow their career prospects with us.”

“Our graduates are helping meet the need for workers in the landscape design industry. It highlights how valuable a TAFE NSW education is in providing students with the skills they need to get the job they want.”

Mr Tolosa Paz said studying the Diploma of Landscape Design has helped future-proof his business.

“The course provided me with valuable information that grew my skills and confidence,” he said. “Studying has been incredibly valuable to me, and I encourage anyone who wants to change their career or learn new skills to consider TAFE NSW. Go ahead always and have no regrets.”

Media contact: Rob Virtue, Communications Specialist, rob.virtue@tafensw.edu.au