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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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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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
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By 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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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
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Horticulture 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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By John Fitzsimmons
What is horticulture versus agriculture say, or gardening? What is education – learning, imparting skills, absorbing knowledge, becoming scientific? The answers to such questions rest largely on who and what you are, and the time and place in history at the point of asking.… Continue reading
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How important is it to have the right people on your team? You know, the people who not only know how to do their job but want to be part of the team and help you grow your business?
Greenlife Industry Australia (GIA) has developed an awareness program for career options within the horticulture industry.… Continue reading
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By Michael Casey
Children and adolescents understand the future that lies ahead of them. They understand the issues relating to land degradation through careless corporate greed and the expansion of the urban fringe, and the need for smarter food systems that grow healthy and nutritious foods in a more sustainable way.… Continue reading
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By Michael Casey and Dr Kate Neale –
Horticulture has had a long history as a subject in education across all cohorts in one form or another. Watching seeds sprout and grow to seedlings has always been a popular activity within the early years of education.… Continue reading
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By Dan Austin –
The old adage ‘you can’t teach an old dog new tricks’ has long been disproven and in reality, older dogs are quite adept at developing new skills. So, with the reputation of mature canines around the world restored, there is no excuse for the ageing horticulturist not to follow suit and ensure we stay at the top of our game.… Continue reading
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By Dr Kate Neale and Michael Casey –
Schools are increasingly recognising that greenspaces provide students with important access to nature, wellbeing, shelter, places of retreat, integrated learning contexts and aesthetic appeal. As such, schools are increasingly engaging with landscape professionals who consult with principals, P&C committees and educators to establish the vision for a space, needs of the cohort and practical design elements.… Continue reading
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