In a significant win for the state’s landscape industry, the Government of South Australia has officially declared landscape construction as a trade, with the AHC30921 Certificate III in Landscape Construction to be delivered as an apprenticeship.
This elevates and clearly defines the trade, previously being one of a handful of declared vocations given the common title of ‘Horticulture’ with the certificate (and other parallel qualifications) being delivered under a traineeship. This landmark achievement comes after concerted efforts by Master Landscapers of South Australia (MLSA) in collaboration with the South Australian Skills Commission, and the Department for State Development.
“The South Australian Skills Commission is pleased to have worked in partnership with the Master Landscapers of SA to formally establish new career pathways,” said the South Australian Skills Commissioner, Cameron Baker.
“By declaring the Certificate III in Landscape Construction as a trade (apprenticeship) pathway, we are recognising the changing skills needed in the sector and the growing requirement for landscaping workers to have building licences to undertake work.”
Further extending to the trade apprenticeship pathway, two additional formal traineeships via a AHC42021 Certificate IV and AHC52021 Diploma of Landscape Construction Management, have also been endorsed by the Skills Commission. This follows a parallel collaborative effort between the Commission, MLSA and the Registered Training Organisation, ARO College. The ability of the commission to consider this career progression wholistically and side-by-side ensures that, not only is the entry point to this career highlighted but pathways also provide for the full range for career progression and advancement. This is a significant advancement for new and existing participants alike.
Importantly, the courses also attract Skills SA training subsidies for new entrants.
“The two new landscaping traineeships for supervisors and managers provide a structured approach to strengthening capability within the sector,” the Skills Commissioner added.
This elevated status has the potential to showcase landscape careers and attract industry entrants by providing formal routes to obtaining the industry knowledge required to progress their careers in creating and managing high quality urban and green spaces in both public and private settings.
Landscape gardeners with the combined skillset of planning and construction are currently included on Jobs and Skills Australia’s Occupation Shortage List, signifying a critical need within the state. Recognition of ‘landscape construction tradesperson’ as a trade, aims to help fill this gap, while also allowing for greater consistency and mobility across Australia.
The industry as a whole is also set to reap significant benefits from the changes, with landscape tradespeople expected to gain increased recognition of their professionalism and their unique combination of construction skill and horticultural knowledge.
“The definition change will have a real impact on our state’s landscaping sector – not only its ongoing viability but also in its reputation and parity with other construction trades,” said Clint Adams, President of MLSA.
This can lead to greater clarity and confidence when applying for building and contractor licenses and strengthens the landscape industry within the broader construction ecosystem.
Recognising its significance to the state, the Skills Commissioner praised the efforts as a great example of how, in partnership with industry, the South Australian skills system is responding to the evolving needs of industry.
Mr Adams noted that the achievement was the result of many hours of hard work and close collaboration between industry, the MLSA and government, to achieve an outcome that will benefit landscapers, apprentices, and the broader community.
The new training qualifications came into effect on 15 November 2024.
Stay up to date with MLSA at landscapesa.com.au.