TAFE NSW qualification could lead you just about anywhere, even tending Mudgee’s beautiful rose gardens, according to TAFE NSW graduate Jennifer Tidey.

Caring for the city’s magnificent rose gardens has been one of the many delights of the job Jennifer landed as a horticulturalist for Mid-Western Regional Council, thanks to her TAFE NSW studies.

Jennifer, 40, completed a Certificate III in Horticulture at TAFE NSW Mudgee, a course which facilitated her move into the role of managing the city’s civic gardens, plantings, and roundabouts.

She started with Council as a street cleaner in 2011 before becoming a casual park attendant, and later a grounds maintenance officer.

“TAFE NSW gave me that extra push forward in my career as I needed the qualification to get the position. This is a nationally recognised qualification, so it will help me gain work anywhere,” she said.

“The course taught me lots of practical skills in caring for plants, treating weeds, and picking the best plants for specific uses. They are the foundational skills every horticulturist needs for a successful career.”

According to the Australian Horticulture Statistics Handbook, in 2019/20 the horticulture sector was worth more than $15 billion to the Australian economy and employed over 60,000 people.

“With all the options at TAFE NSW there are so many job avenues to choose from,” Jennifer said.

“I didn’t want to sit in an office all day, and horticulture was a great mix of being outdoors with my hands in the soil and office work researching and designing plantings.”

Jennifer found the hands-on approach and one-on-one support at TAFE NSW perfect.

“I’d done some computer courses before at TAFE NSW and found it a comfortable environment. I also knew I could study part-time, which was important for me as I needed to work,” she said.

“TAFE NSW made learning easy for me, and I liked being able to ask questions and have personal contact with the teachers. It has been a great stepping-stone and I would encourage anyone who wants work to give it a go.”

Explore hundreds of courses and pursue your passion with life-changing training at TAFE NSW. For more information visit www.tafensw.edu.au or phone 131 601.

Media contact: Terra Sword, Communications Specialist. Phone: 6623 0325. Email: terra.sword@tafensw.edu.au.