How to Grow Your Career in Horticulture

The world as we know it would be nothing without the plants and greenery that surrounds us. Plants serve a huge number of functions in our everyday life. They feed us, purify our air and provides us with a stunning, green environment that makes the world a pleasure to live in. Horticulture is a great career choice if you enjoy working outdoors. A career in horticulture involves good business management, innovation, advanced technology, a passion for producing quality fresh produce and creating a sustainable future for the industry.

From working with plants, designing and building new city parks to developing new food produce, horticulture can be extremely rewarding and there are a wealth of career options to choose from. There is a position in horticulture for every interest and aptitude.

Getting Certified

It is rare to succeed in horticulture on practical experience alone. Many employers will expect you to have a thorough understanding of the science and technical theories behind horticulture, as well as being able to prove you have the necessary skills for the job. At Kangan Institute, we offer a range of qualifications to meet the needs of those hoping to develop their horticultural knowledge and skills. Studying the Certificate III in Horticulture (AHC30716) is ideal for those wishing to enter the horticulture industry, for those already in the industry and also for those who just want a more in-depth knowledge surrounding horticulture or thinking about starting their own business.

Horticulture training should introduce all the many aspects of horticulture. For those who are beginning or looking to improve their knowledge, it may be of interest to understand more about a specific component of horticulture rather than trying to acquire information about all features of the infinite fields you can choose from.

What Makes You Happy?

Horticulture has a vast opportunity of careers. These careers can be inside or outside and can consist of design, research, maintenance, retail, or a combination of these areas. If you find it highly gratifying to see the plants you have been tendering and nurturing flourish, then perhaps a career in practical gardening is for you. If you are more attracted to experimenting with colour, shape and texture then perhaps you should consider taking a course in design and begin by entering design competitions. Alternatively, if you are fascinated by the science behind plant diseases, then perhaps a career in research will be the way forward for you.

Talk to People

A great way to find out what type of horticultural career might suit you is to speak with people who are already within the industry. Arrange a meeting with your local nursery or research department and ask if they have any time spare to meet with you. Most horticulturists are extremely passionate about their jobs and will be delighted to hear from someone who wants to follow in their footsteps.

Opportunity to Grow

In recent years, the popularity of ‘greening’ inner city buildings is starting to provide scope for supplying niche landscaping services for the establishment of rooftop gardens, vertical gardens and accompanying infrastructure. Over the next five years, the number of job openings within the horticulture industry is expected to be high. Employment for this career path has currently risen very strongly and as it is a very large occupation opportunities should be available in most regions.