Two horticulture learners from TAFE NSW have won scholarships to further their education internationally.

For 40 years, Global Footprints has awarded scholarships to young Australians to enable them to travel overseas to enhance their learning around sustainability in their industry. The 2024 winners were recently announced, with 11 of the 25 recipients being TAFE NSW students and graduates.

Graduate Charlotte O’Leary and current student Spencer Quirk were successful in the horticulture field.

Ms O’Leary enrolled in the Certificate III in Horticulture at TAFE NSW Ryde in 2023  to build a career that focussed on her love of nature and plants. She graduated last year and is now working in the industry as a nursery manager at a hardware store.

“Teaching people about plants and showing them how we can incorporate nature into our lives is something I love to do. With the threat of climate change, it’s so important to bring nature into our spaces, and I believe plants can have a positive impact on our happiness,” she said.

“I feel so grateful to receive this scholarship; it means the world. I’ve always wanted to work in different botanical gardens and nurseries across the globe. This feels like a dream come true to be able to do that.”

Ms O’Leary is planning to study urban horticulture trends in the northern hemisphere.

“I’m hoping to travel to the United Kingdom, Denmark, Canada, and Singapore to study how those countries grow their plants, particularly with reduced rates of pesticides. Horticulture in urban design will also be a focus of my trip, whether that be living walls, roof plantings, or vertical gardens; I’m intrigued to learn how we can do more of that in Australia,” she said.

“I absolutely loved studying at TAFE NSW and would do it all again if I could. Studying at TAFE NSW made me a better student; when you’re learning about something you love, it’s not really a chore. My studies gave me the practical and theoretical skills I needed to thrive in this industry.”

Spencer Quirk completed TAFE NSW’s Certificate II in Horticulture in 2021 and is due to graduate from the Certificate III in Horticulture at the end of 2024. He said receiving a Global Footprints Scholarship was a big honour.

“I grew up with a love of the outdoors and exploring nature. It’s a real privilege to now have an opportunity to stretch my skills and knowledge by traveling abroad and learning new horticultural information and approaches,” he said.

“One thing I’m most excited about is meeting other likeminded people in the industry from other countries. Nature is something people all around the world have in common, and to be able to connect with others who share this passion will be really enriching.

“I’m looking forward to studying the impact of incorporating plants into urban environments and exploring the positive impact of horticulture on local ecosystems, mental health, and biophilic design – or, the connections between plants and humans.

“I’m planning to explore these concepts in countries that have vastly different environments, like the aridness of Dubai, the humidity of Singapore, and temperate conditions of The Netherlands.

“Studying at TAFE NSW has given me the confidence, knowledge, and practical skills to make a strong start to my career, and I can’t wait to further build on these through this international study opportunity.”

Horticulture Head Teacher Anna Richards said the scholarships will enhance Ms O’Leary and Mr Quirk’s skills.

“TAFE NSW has a proven track record of delivering high-quality graduates to the horticulture industry. It’s exciting to see Charlotte and Spencer be awarded these scholarships and build on the education they’ve received at TAFE NSW,” Ms Richards said.

“We pride ourselves on providing our TAFE NSW students with the hands-on skills and knowledge they need to kickstart their career, and I have no doubt these enthusiastic young people will go on to make a valuable contribution to the international horticulture industry.”

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