By Patrick Regnault
Travelling broadens the mind, education brings clarity, and curiosity is the energy that draws it together. Visiting gardens and meeting with the people who care for them is an exciting way to learn and share. It allows a connection that frees people to discover each other’s experiences and knowledge.… Continue reading
Read MoreBy Jacco Strating*
RAI Amsterdam’s GreenTech shines a spotlight on the transitions happening in the world today. Numerous challenges, such as climate change, water scarcity, and the need for more sustainable practices, are greatly affecting the current food production systems. In a series of articles, RAI delves into the challenges and opportunities of these transitions in the horticulture industry.… Continue reading
Read MoreBy Lisa Wightwick
Returning to a learning environment as an adult is an odd feeling. Personally, it’s provided me with a sense of liberty and satisfaction that I definitely lacked in my school years. Don’t get me wrong – I enjoyed my time at school but maybe with the exception of physical education!… Continue reading
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Conservation and ecosystem management students share many common units with horticulture students (Image: Dan Austin)
By Dan Austin
It might come as a surprise if you’ve been out of the education system for some time but gaining a formal qualification in horticulture is easier than it’s ever been.
While no mandatory training is required to work as a horticulturist, formal qualifications make you all the more appealing to employers.… Continue reading
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Support younger industry members by nominating them for exchange programs or as support teams at conferences (Image: Karen Smith)
By Patrick Regnault
There is a demand and a necessity to upskill your employees – it helps retain them and offers them a path forward in their career and in the industry. The benefits are many and well understood. Unless the employer is short-sighted, employers and managers should encourage and organise training programs for their employees.… Continue reading
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Achievable Gardens People’s Choice Award ‘Balance by Nature’ by Gina Robertson, Melbourne Polytechnic at Melbourne international Flower & Garden Show 2022 (Image: Karen Smith)
By Madeleine Stedman and Jodie Dean
The opportunities and benefits of a trade career have never been greater for young people finishing school and entering the workforce. In the past, the university sector has been touted as the best pathway to a successful career.… Continue reading
Read MoreBy Patrick Regnault
Over the last few decades, Horticulture education has seen many changes. Australia, like many other countries, mainly in the English-speaking world, seems to be heading towards distance learning to the detriment of practical based learning.
Apprenticeships and traineeships are not reaching levels of completion, and the profession is ageing.… Continue reading
Read MoreBy John Fitzsimmons
As someone originally trained as a ‘generalist’ it is easy to find the specificity of today’s training landscape somewhat challenging to navigate. I certainly don’t envy young people now trying to start their journey and find their way in the working world.… Continue reading
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TAFESA students gain formal qualifications while undertaking real world practical activities, in this case, weed control for Trees for Life (Image: Sam Bywaters)
By Dan Austin
While the last few years have challenged many of us beyond anything we might have thought possible in the years prior, there is now light at the end of the tunnel and for us in horticulture, a lot more than just a silver lining coming from the COVID-19 cloud.… Continue reading
Read MoreHorticulture education: Part 2
By John Fitzsimmons
Australian horticulture education and training is going through a period of massive change. Just what the ultimate balance of skills, science and other non-horticultural training might be needed by industry, is still being clarified but the theme of ‘environments’ keeps cropping up.… Continue reading
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