The nation’s peak horticulture body has backed a TAFE NSW Tamworth course aimed at “propagating” careers in the industry amid a post-COVID surge in interest in gardening.

Australian Institute of Horticulture president Michael Casey said the Certificate III in Parks and Gardens at TAFE NSW Tamworth would help the industry build a pipeline of workers to cater for growing demand.

According to the Australian Government’s Job Outlook, the gardening services industry is set for strong growth in the next three years, generating an annual revenue of nearly $3 billion by 2024.

Australian Institute of Horticulture (AIH) president Michael Casey said the Certificate III in Parks and Gardens would help the industry build a pipeline of workers to cater for growing demand.

“We’ve seen incredible growth in the horticulture industry over the past few years as people are increasingly looking for jobs that are more sustainable both environmentally and financially”.

“Horticulture is more than just a hobby, it’s a career. The AIH promotes our members who are qualified, experienced professionals and these certificates are a great place to start,” Mr Casey said.                                             

As Australia's largest vocational education and training provider, TAFE NSW is uniquely positioned to give graduates the industry connections, practical skills and experience to hit the ground running.

One student who joined this blooming industry is Tamworth local Nathan Watson, who completed his Certificate III in Parks and Gardens at TAFE NSW Tamworth. He has also won the 2022 Australian Institute of Horticulture student of the year award.

Nathan started his Horticulture career after high school at Tamworth Regional Council as an apprentice and is now working in the Arborist division of at the Tamworth Regional Botanic Gardens.

”I’ve always been passionate about the outdoors and the physical work. Completing my course at the same time as getting real-world industry experience is the perfect pathway for me,” Nathan said.

“TAFE NSW Tamworth teachers have been extremely supportive; having them come directly from the industry gives you the advantage of knowing how to do the job in the working world.

“I’m honoured to be the recipient of AIH Student of the Year award. I’m looking forward to what’s next and

aim to pathway into a university degree in Landscape Architecture”.

Media contact: Callum Darby-Linfitt, TAFE NSW Communications Specialist, 02 7921 1823 callum.darbylinfitt@tafensw.edu.au

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