Do you want to become a landscaper in Australia? If so, this article can be the perfect guide for building your career as a landscaper. Landscaping can be a very interesting job. You can appreciate the beauty of nature while working in this fulfilling occupation.
However, prospective students often ask us about the steps for becoming a landscaper. We get questions about certifications in horticulture like Certificate III in Horticulture (AHC30716) and how to grow a career in this field.
Let’s go through 06 steps you can take to become an expert landscaper in Australia. We will also mention the job description, responsibilities and the personal qualities needed for this job.
Job Description and Responsibilities
In simple words, landscapers make the environment more functional and beautiful and improve its overall function. There are two main disciplines in this occupation:
- Soft scaping
- Hardscaping
Soft scaping involves gardening techniques related to soil, flower beds and turf. On the other hand, hardscaping techniques are applied on structures like walkways, pools and driveways.
Landscapers use various tools like shovels, lawnmowers and trimmers to perform the landscaping techniques.
Personal Qualities Needed to Become a Landscaper
It will greatly help you in this job if you develop certain qualities. Developing these personal qualities will help you to grow your career in the long term. Let’s have a look at some of these qualities:
- Appreciation for nature
- Skills and knowledge in horticulture
- Manual dexterity
- Attention to details
- Willingness to work outdoors
06 Steps to Becoming a Landscaper
Now we’ll talk about the 06 practical steps to becoming a landscaper. We will also provide some tips for your career in this sector. Let’s take a look!
1. Learn More About the Art
As mentioned before, a landscaper should possess a good knowledge of horticulture. You should research the job to see if it’s right for you. This initial research will also help you to learn about the most basic tools and techniques. Some of the ways you can improve your knowledge of landscaping are:
- Read articles on landscaping techniques
- Learn by watching tutorials and videos online
- Enroll in a short course online
- Build a connection with the landscapers around you
2. Enroll in a Recognized Course
This step is crucial for becoming a landscaper in Australia. Once you have a basic idea of the art of landscaping, you can enroll in a recognized course to obtain a formal certification. Several training providers, like Certificate III in Horticulture (AHC30716). You’ll learn about a range of topics from these courses like:
- Landscaping tools
- Proper techniques
- Working efficiently and safely
- Plant pest and disease control
3. Work as an Apprentice
After obtaining a recognized certification, you can apply for an apprenticeship. As an apprentice, you’ll work under the supervision of experienced landscapers. You will assist them in various landscaping projects and apply your skills in real-life situations. Some of the benefits of an apprenticeship are:
- It’s an opportunity to correct your mistakes
- You learn through a hands-on approach
- You get a glimpse of the actual work
- You may even come across some helpful tips
4. Apply Your Skills Practically
You can start applying for a job once you feel ready for one. A job is vital for applying your landscaping skills in real-life scenarios. Moreover, you can enrich your resume along with getting financial benefits. The good news is that there are multiple ways you can work as a landscaper in Australia. Landscapers can work for:
- Landscaping companies
- Local governments and councils
Some landscapers are also self-employed. So there are quite a few options out there.
5. Licenses and Professional Organizations
You can consider applying for a license once you have adequate experience and expertise in the field. You can also consider joining a professional organization. The Landscape Association is one of NSW‘s leading professional organizations for landscaping. Some of the advantages of getting a license or joining a professional organization are:
- Better career prospects
- Improve your reputation in the industry
- Build new connections
- Collaborate with other landscapers
6. Look for Business Opportunities
You can even consider opening your own landscaping business at some point. We highly suggest going through the previous steps before starting any business. Your business will have more value if you are qualified and have a rich portfolio. Some of the reasons why you should consider starting a landscaping business are:
- No fixed working hours
- You can make more money
- Work on interesting and creative projects
- Build a team and work collaboratively
Always remember to have your business registered to avoid any legal issues.
Conclusion
We hope you found these steps to becoming a landscaper in Australia useful. Landscaping can be a very rewarding career path for those who love this work. There are numerous opportunities in this sector all over the country. So you can certainly consider this career option.
You can make great progress in this field with a recognized qualification like a Certificate III in Horticulture (AHC30716), a strong portfolio, and hard work. There is a good demand for qualified and skilled landscapers in the job market. We highly suggest getting a nationally recognized qualification in this field from a recognized training provider or through a formal process.
If you have any queries regarding landscaping certifications, please feel free to reach out to us. Good luck!
