HOW TO GET INTO THE INDUSTRY

Summary of Skills

School Students

Adults - Landscapers
    create and construct landscapes

    some create designs and look after gardens

Adults - Designers
    create designs for gardeners or landscapers to construct

Adults - Horticulturists
    consultants to gardeners, landscapers and designers

    many also design, construct, maintain landscapes

    some specialise in plant care, plant identification, tree care, etc 

Adults - Garden Maintenance
    most are gardeners and look after property 

Adults - Arborist, Tree Surgeon
    consultation, care and remedial treatment for trees and vegetation

 

Certification and Accreditation

Summary of Skills

Basic Skills required for this industry:-

• willingness to undertake hard physical work

• extremely high communication ability

• high leadership skills

• good mathematical skills

Additionally:-

• Designers and Horticulturists also need the ability to learn and appreciate botanical names and gardening techniques.

• Structural Landscapers require an appreciation for good workmanship.

School Students

Students should consult with local industry groups (peak industry bodies) to ensure they are taking the correct subjects suitable for the industry. Students undertaking VET training should validate their training is also suitable for industry.

Adults - Landscaper

1. Undertake study such as a Certificate in Horticulture (Landscaping) at level II and III. 

2. Obtain work experience during study or employment after training

3. Either upgrade to a licensed landscaper or maintain working as an employee.

4. Add yourself to PLANT ID and join an industry association.

5. Attain professional certification to gain a market advantage over competitors. Refer to CPH or LCS.

6. Obtain suitable licenses as required by your state regulations.

Adults - Designer

1. Undertake study - minimum at Certificate IV in Horticulture (Landscape)

2. Obtain work experience during study or employment after completion to enhance knowledge of plants, materials an soils.

3. Submit your details onto PLANT ID and join an industry association.

4. Attain professional certification to gain market advantage. Refer to CPH

5. Achieve any license requirements for your state.

Adults - Horticulturists

1. Undertake study to achieve a minimum of Certificate III in Horticulture.

2. Obtain work experience while studying or immediately afterwards.

3. Join an industry association then submit your details onto PLANT ID

4. Attain professional certification from one of the industry associations.

5. Achieve any license requirements for your state.

Adults - Garden Maintenance

1. Undertake study as above

2. Submit your details onto PLANT ID and join an industry association.

3. Attain professional certification.

4. Achieve any license requirements for your state.

Adults - Arborist, Tree Surgeon
1. Undertake study specialising in Arboriculture and tree safety

2. Submit your details onto PLANT ID and join an industry association.

3. Attain professional certification.

4. Achieve any license requirements for your state.

Certification and Accreditation

Currently there are a number of Certification schemes that exist in Australia for professional landscapers and/or horticulturists:-

It is strongly advised that people in the industry become Certified in at least one of the schemes.

All Certification schemes require participants to maintain continual professional development (CPD) points. This means that they must continue to do study or attend industry related events/seminars/workshop to keep up with modern trends and techniques. To the consumer, this means peace of mind that you are dealing with a person who cares about their business and workmanship.

Certification is similar to Accreditation however some may dispute this statement. There are no separate Accreditation schemes for landscapers at this time in operation within Australia however this may soon change.