Matt is growing Queensland's future horticulturists through industry experience

After spending 20 years as a landscaper, running his own business and travelling overseas to learn from some of the world's most innovative urban gardens, Matt now brings that wealth of industry experience into the horticulture learning spaces at TAFE Queensland.

"Some of the most valuable horticulture lessons I learned came from exploring gardens in major cities around the world and bringing those ideas back to Australia," explained Matt.

Today, Matt teaches horticulture and landscaping at TAFE Queensland's Toowoomba and Ipswich campuses, where he helps students develop the practical skills and confidence needed to thrive in a growing industry.

"It's a real, practically focused course," Matt said.

Students undertaking the Certificate III in Horticulture (AHC30722) can choose to study on campus or those currently working in the industry can complete it via a traineeship, gaining hands-on experience while developing the skills employers are looking for.

Students build practical knowledge in the campus gardens, applying industry skills in a real-world environment while working on projects that have a visible impact.

One of the standout learning experiences is preparing for Toowoomba's iconic Carnival of Flowers garden competition.

Students are involved in every stage of the preparing the campus gardens, from measuring garden beds and calculating plant numbers to planting, maintaining, and showcasing their work to the community.

For Matt, these experiences mirror the realities of the industry.

Students learn to navigate unpredictable weather, manage pests, work within project timelines, and solve problems as they arise, all skills that employers value in the workplace.

While the garden competition attracts plenty of attention, Matt believes the greatest reward comes from watching students take ownership of their work.

"Our students have taken ownership and are so proud of what they've created. That’s a lot more important than a trophy," he said.

Another key focus of the course is sustainability.

Students learn how to make responsible use of resources through initiatives including composting systems, worm farms, and integrated nutrition management practices designed to promote healthy soils while reducing reliance on fertilisers.

Matt's extensive industry connections also help students gain valuable insight into the sector. Through relationships with local employers, including Toowoomba Regional Council trainees undertaking training with TAFE Queensland, students have the opportunity to visit Toowoomba’s carnival gardens, learn from experienced industry professionals, and see large-scale horticultural projects in action.

His advice to anyone considering a career in horticulture is simple:

"Keep an open mind. It's alright to fail. You get a lot more things wrong before you get them right. So, persevere. If it's a passion, then I think you should follow it," he said.

Career opportunities for graduates are diverse, with former students securing roles in local government, landscaping businesses, nurseries and a range of horticultural enterprises.

For Matt, teaching offers the opportunity to share a lifetime of industry knowledge while helping students discover careers they are passionate about.

"After 20 years in landscaping, I still get to work in an industry I'm passionate about. Teaching gives me the chance to share that experience without the demands of being on the tools full-time,” said Matt.

The horticulture gardens at TAFE Queensland's Toowoomba campus provide students with a living classroom to develop practical skills, gain industry experience and help bring landscapes to life.