A Tamworth gardener is encouraging the community to consider a career in horticulture as jobs for gardeners are expected to increase post COVID-19i.  

Amidst the panic buying of seedlings and the popularity of developing home gardens, Sue Wood said that green thumbs should use this time to take their love for gardening one-step further to invest in their personal development by using this time to upskill.  

The owner and operator of Salient Gardens and Design, Sue wanted to learn the science behind gardening practices, so she chose to study a Certificate III in Conservation and Land Management and a Certificate III and IV in Horticulture at TAFE NSW Tamworth as a mature-aged student. 

“I’ve worked as a gardener for some time, but I wanted to understand the reasoning behind different techniques and why things work. I’ve always wanted to be qualified and I’m now studying a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment that will enable me to teach others at TAFE NSW,” Ms Wood said. 

“I started studying at TAFE NSW when I was 50 years of age; it has increased my practical skills and more. I love the positive learning environment, being around like-minded people and sharing our ideas and knowledge. It inspired me to keep studying and learn all that I could. 

“I was so grateful to be successful in earning a TAFE NSW Scholarship to study a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment and I hope to pass my knowledge on to others who are keen gardeners.” 

Working outdoors can have many benefits, including improved mood, lowering stress levels, increased health, wellness and happinessi. 

“I expect we will see a resurgence of the industry post COVID-19, you only have to walk through a nursery to see how popular gardening and indoor plants are at the moment.” 

TAFE NSW Horticulture Teacher, Dodie O’Keefe, said Sue was a committed student who wanted to learn all that she could about the industry. 

“Some people see gardening as an activity for the older generation, but we can see that this perception is changing as people are happier working outdoors. 

“The TAFE NSW Horticulture courses are normally taught face-to-face, however TAFE NSW has been able to adapt during the current climate by teaching students through connected delivery methods.”