Community
9 June, 2023
Green thumbs return
THE COVID-19 pandemic has led to an unexpected upswing of interest in horticultural courses around Warrnambool.
South West TAFE is experiencing unprecedented demand for its Certificate II and III horticulture courses and is about to start a new Certificate II course.
It has also reintroduced horticulture in Portland after a 15-year absence and is planning a new course in Hamilton.
South West TAFE horticulture teacher Michelle Parker said that during the COVID-19 lockdowns, many people revived their love of gardening.
“People weren’t allowed to go anywhere and so many turned to gardening,” Ms Parker said.
“It seems spending more time at home during the pandemic rekindled people’s love of the garden.
“There has been more interest in both courses since the pandemic. We also have apprentices from all over the western district doing the course in Warrnambool.”
South West TAFE is currently running both Certificate II and III courses in Warrnambool and has opened a mid-year intake for the Certificate II course.
An information session was held on June 6 but potential students can still apply for a July-August intake, which will depend on numbers.
“We have been quite full for the past couple of years, so there is a lot of demand,” Ms Parker said.
The Certificate II is aimed at people who may not have gardening experience but are keen to explore or avid gardeners who want to know more about plants.
“It’s quite broad and gives a really good overview of the plant world,” Ms Parker said.
The course covers identifying plant species, botanic names, propagation, pruning and gardening and practical tasks like the basics of irrigation, soils, pests and diseases.
The Certificate III is a trade qualification that runs one day a week over two years. It has a commercial focus and is aimed at people already working in the industry who want a formal qualification and those who want a career in the industry.
“There are usually some students who complete the Certificate II who want to continue on to the Certificate III,” Mr Parker said.
“The Certificate II gives them a good foundation of knowledge.”
People interested in the Certificate II horticulture course can contact the Warrnambool campus or visit www.swtafe.edu.au.
