22 August 2023

TAFE NSW Yallah landscape students have gained priceless hands-on experience and created a space for the next generation of pupils to enjoy as part of a unique project at a local primary school.

More than 100 Certificate III in Landscape Construction apprentices from TAFE NSW Yallah have helped cost, source and build two pathways, circular decks and an expansive garden area at Wollongong’s Lindsay Park Public School.

The 12-month project aimed to beautify a previously unused section of the school and used all local materials, including native plants.

TAFE NSW Yallah landscape construction student Isaiah Kennedy, who attended Lindsay Park Public as a child, said the project was an ideal opportunity to put the skills learned at TAFE NSW into practice for the benefit of the school community.

“To be able to work in a school environment and put our TAFE NSW training into practice was great,” Mr Kennedy, 20, said.

“We were involved every step of the way and knowing it will make the school a more welcoming environment is very satisfying.”

TAFE NSW Yallah landscape construction teacher Rob Wardlaw said students and TAFE NSW teachers worked closely with the school to bring their vision to life. He said he even adapted the TAFE NSW assessments to align with the project.

“This was a valuable real world exercise for students: they did everything they would do on the job, including costings, choosing the plants and construction,” Mr Wardlaw said.

“It ticked a lot of boxes and the students really got a kick out of it.”

Lindsay Park Public School principal Jacqui Conway thanked TAFE NSW and the students for making the project a reality, saying it would benefit the entire school community.

“It was an absolute pleasure working with TAFE NSW and the very knowledgeable teachers from Yallah,” Ms Conway said.

“The TAFE students worked tirelessly and our students gained valuable insight into future career pathways as they watched the project develop. The space is loved and used daily by our students and we are thrilled with the outcome."

Media contact: Daniel Johns, TAFE NSW Communications Specialist, (02) 6938 1441, mobile 0477 722 428