The first cohort of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students have successfully graduated from The Royal Botanic Gardens & Centennial Parkland’s (BGCP) pre-employment training program.

Delivered in partnership with TAFE NSW Eora, students completed an intensive six week program providing the required skills, experience and understanding required to be job-ready. The partnership was formed with the intent to showcase to the many varied roles that are available to jobseekers within BGCP and pathways to further employment opportunities within the organisation.

The graduating students received a Statement of Attainment in Preparation for Tourism and Guiding, which will create pathways to employment and the opportunity to secure a role within the Botanic Gardens & Centennial Parklands organisation.

TAFE NSW Educational Pathways Head Teacher, Dallas Wellington, said that Australia’s largest training provider is committed to creating pathways to employment for Aboriginal people and ensuring participants are job-ready at the conclusion of the program.

“TAFE NSW has worked closely with Botanic Gardens & Centennial Parklands to design and deliver a pre-employment program that equips participants with the skills and experience that they need to pursue employment opportunities within their organisation.

“TAFE NSW supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people into careers, and has walked alongside the program participants during their employment journey with BGCP, providing advice, mentoring and support.”  

During the six week course, participants learned a range of skills including native plant knowledge, tour guiding, public speaking and two weeks of on-the-job work experience with Aboriginal Programs and Community Greening teams at the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney.

The participants were also able to witness the variety of projects that BGCP Community Greening covers within the Sydney CBD and meet with other established cultural program organisations such as Yerrabingin House rooftop farm and the Redfern Men’s Shed.

Botanic Gardens & Centennial Parklands Executive Director Denise Ora says this is a valuable program for both organisational staff and the students to be involved in.

“We are passionate about sharing the Aboriginal heritage of our sites and expanding our Aboriginal tourism, educational, and community programs that connect this knowledge with the millions of visitors who come to the Botanic Gardens & Centennial Parklands each year.

“This group of TAFE NSW graduates are fantastic. While our aim was to build their experience and skills, we are equally thankful for the enthusiasm, time, and knowledge that they shared with us.

“With such a successful start to this initiative, we are excited to see many more graduates in the near future and to grow this amazing program and the opportunities it offers,” Mrs Ora said.

To find out more about studying at TAFE NSW visit www.tafensw.edu.au or phone 131 601 for more information.

Media contact: Alice Dalley, TAFE NSW Media and Communications Business Partner, mobile 0402 528 210.