14 October 2024

A Batehaven man who starred in ABC’s hit TV show The Assembly has credited TAFE NSW with giving him the skills – and learning support – to earn two qualifications, despite living with autism and a mild intellectual disability.

Andrew Radford, 41, has gained national attention in recent weeks as one of a diverse group of autistic students in the ABC documentary, which chronicles the students’ journey as they interview celebrities and learn the craft of journalism.

But in the three years before the show aired, Mr Radford earned both a Certificate III in Horticulture and a Certificate II in Animal Care at TAFE NSW Moruya, and said he could not have completed the courses without the tailored learning support he received.

Mr Radford gained work as a gardener following his TAFE NSW course and plans to use his TAFE NSW qualifications to rejoin the booming horticulture industry in future. He is currently employed as a library assistant at the Eurobodalla Shire Council, a position he has held for the past 23 years.

According to the Australian Government’s Job Outlook, the nation’s gardening services industry is in a strong growth phase, expected to generate annual revenue of nearly $3 billion by the end of 2024.

“It’s been an absolutely amazing experience being on The Assembly and it’s something I will remember for the rest of my life,” Mr Radford said.

“But I love plants and would love to go into the horticulture industry later in life. It’s so great to be working outside in nature … it’s good for the soul.”

For now, Mr Radford is focused on a six-week internship with ABC Canberra, where he will be charged with finding positive news stories about people living with disability.

Among the household names he interviewed in The Assembly were Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, comedian Hamish Blake, actor Sam Neill and pop star Delta Goodrem.

Reflecting on his TAFE NSW courses, he highlighted the “amazing” learner support he received.

“My disability learning support people would be next to me taking down notes in class and would stay back for two hours after class each week to help me work through assessments,” he said. “It made all the difference to me getting through the courses.”

TAFE NSW Moruya Disability Teacher Consultant Gay Radburn, who worked with Mr Radford said TAFE NSW prided itself on supporting the learning challenges of students.

“We understand that every learner has individual needs that may impact on their ability to study and we are committed to supporting our learners who have a disability,” Ms Radburn said.

“We are there with the student from enrolment through to graduation and it’s so gratifying to see them thrive, just as Andrew has.”

Media contact: Dan Johns, TAFE NSW Communications Specialist, 0477 722 428