With more than 10.5 million Australians working from home during the pandemic, a local landscaping business has seen a spike in demand for services as people look to refresh their yards during COVID-19. 

Blitz Landscaping Services owner, Joullian Abboud, launched his Penrith-based business nine years ago after completing a Certificate III in Landscape Construction at TAFE NSW Richmond. He said that the restrictions brought about by COVID-19 has resulted in unprecedented demand for his services. 

Joullian said “We’re responding to requests for established garden makeovers and a demand for landscaping services for the new houses being built in Jordan Springs, Caddens Hill and other pockets of Western Sydney.”

“To meet the demand for landscaping services in Western Sydney I’ve employed thee apprentices who are trained by TAFE NSW because I know from experience that they will be equipped with the job-ready skills I need to grow my business,” Julian said.

Joullian said his business is committed to employing apprentices and mentoring them at a time where apprentice numbers are expected to fall by 30 per cent over the next two years.2

“I was once an apprentice and the hands-on skills I gained from my apprenticeship and my TAFE NSW course have equipped me to run the successful business I have today so it’s something I want to help others achieve.” 

The number of Australians working in the industry rose to over 65,000 last year according to Jobs Outlook.

TAFE NSW Environmental studies teacher Rick Toovey said now was the perfect time to study Landscape Construction for anyone considering a career in the industry.

“The nationally recognised Certificate III in Landscape Construction combines practical construction skills with knowledge of plants and soils, giving students a solid foundation for a career in the industry,” Mr Toovey said.

“Particularly in Western Sydney, where we are seeing strong demand for these practical skills with a record number of new housing estates being built in the region.”

To find out more about studying Landscape Construction at TAFE NSW for semester two, phone 131 601 or visit www.tafensw.edu.au.

Media Contact: Jessica Cortis, Media and Communications Business Partner, 0456 170 211.