Andrea grows a thriving horticulture career

Now, with her graduation fast approaching, Andrea has secured a gardening position at the renowned Mayfield Gardens in Oberon, New South Wales.

It’s an opportunity that reflects both her dedication and the real-world skills gained through her training.

“I’ve always been interested in the outdoors — gardening, exploring, experimenting with plants,” Andrea said.

“Before studying, I worked as a teacher aide in a special school, and I found myself drawn outside every afternoon. Being in nature really helped, and that’s when I realised I wanted to pursue it as a career.”

Supported through the Queensland Government’s Career Start subsidy, Andrea has been able to complete her first post-school Certificate III qualification while significantly reducing her out-of-pocket expenses.

Studying horticulture full time at Ipswich has helped her build the practical skills and confidence to turn her passion into a profession.

“When I first started, I was really nervous,” she said.

“But once I met the teachers, they reassured me that I could do it. They’re always there to support you and help you succeed.”

The hands-on nature of the course proved invaluable, with students applying their knowledge in real-world settings.

Throughout the course, Andrea developed a broad range of practical skills, from general landscape maintenance to working in nursery environments.

Students regularly complete tasks they would expect to perform in industry, including mowing, brush cutting, hedging, and pruning using commercial-grade equipment.

Together with her peers, Andrea gained experience in plant propagation, learning how to grow new plants from both cuttings and seeds. Through a partnership with bush regeneration organisation Natura, students work with locally sourced native seeds, germinating and growing plants that are later used in revegetation projects across South East Queensland.

Andrea also built her skills in lawn care and renovation, including scarifying, aerating, and fertilising turf, as well as identifying and managing weeds, pests, and plant diseases. This includes learning how to safely apply chemical treatments in line with industry standards.

“Some of the assessments are based on actually doing the work, so you really have to understand what you’re doing and give it a go,” Andrea said.

“It’s not just theory; you’re learning skills you can use straight away.”

Throughout her studies, Andrea balanced her training with work as a support worker, proving that study and employment can go hand in hand.

“It’s definitely manageable. You can work and study at the same time,” she said.

“The timetable made it easy to fit everything in.”

Her opportunity at Mayfield Gardens came after her teacher encouraged the class to apply for a role advertised at the nationally recognised site.

Shortlisted for the position, Andrea travelled to Oberon for a practical trial, an experience that confirmed both her skills and her enthusiasm for the industry.

“It was better than I expected,” she said.

“I was really excited. It’s such an amazing place to work.”

Following her successful trial, Mayfield Gardens offered her a position as a gardener, recognising her capabilities and supporting her to complete her studies before commencing full-time work.

The experience highlighted how TAFE Queensland prepares students for industry.

“I chose TAFE Queensland because I wanted a recognised qualification, something employers look for,” Andrea said. “

“You know you’ve done the work properly, and that gives you confidence when applying for jobs.”

For Andrea, the journey has been about more than gaining technical skills, it has also built her self-confidence and encouraged her to embrace new opportunities.

“It’s helped me trust myself more and give things a go,” she said.

“If something doesn’t work, you reassess and try again. That’s a big part of horticulture.”

As she prepares to relocate interstate and begin her new role, Andrea is grateful for the support of her teachers, who are helping her fast-track her studies so she can take up the opportunity.

“I definitely recommend TAFE Queensland,” she said.

“There are so many pathways you can explore, and it’s a great way to find what you’re passionate about.”