This is an estimate of the time it will take to complete the most relevant course associated with this occupation. It’s based on the amount of time taken to complete this course and doesn’t take into account personal circumstances or barriers.
This data is sourced from the training providers. For more detailed information, contact the training provider for the course you’re interested in.
Average pay is based on the average annual taxable income for people working in this occupation in Australia. Income tends to increase with the amount of time spent in a field. These figures are intended as a guide only, rather than a prediction of future earnings.
Annual taxable income data has been sourced from Taxation Statistics 2014-15 published by the Australian Taxation Office.
This is an indication of the level of demand for workers in a particular field. If demand is strong, there’s a higher chance of employment after completing training, meaning your employment prospects for this occupation are strong. If demand is low, the likelihood of employment after training will be lower, and your employment prospects will be poor.
Employment forecast figures are sourced from Deloitte Access Economics (2015) Victorian employment projections for 2016 to 2031.
This number tells you how many people are currently working in this field. The numbers in this section reflect the total amount of workers in this occupation in Victoria.
The information in this section is sourced by the Higher Education and Skills Group, from the industry and regulatory bodies for this occupation.
You should always contact the relevant industry or regulatory body directly for the most detailed and up to date information about the licensing for any occupation.
The information in this section is sourced from industry representatives and professional associations. It is reflective of current demands within the industry for this occupation.
Our ‘Recommended’ section reflects the skills and qualifications that prospective employers may look favourably upon when considering an applicant.
For more information about pre-apprenticeship courses, see our pre-apprenticeships page.
The information in this section is sourced from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, with input from industry bodies.
This information is intended as a guide only. Each job will vary depending on the nature of the role, the employer, and the employee.
Winner of the Victorian Apprentice of the Year Award in 2015 for his work in horticulture, Chris said the outdoors has always been his passion. As a child, he would get out into the garden just for the opportunity to unwind. ‘I’ve got a large family so it used to sort of be my escape time from 11 siblings. It was time to get outside on my own for a bit of relaxation,’ Chris said. ‘With my banking career, it sort of took a sideline and I think that, with the lifestyle here in Australia, I have the opportunity to put it back on the forefront. It just took off again from there.’
After moving to Melbourne, Chris started an apprenticeship at Gardenworld Nursery, while completing a Certificate III in Horticulture (Retail Nursery) at Swinburne University.
‘It’s important to your lifestyle as well - to enjoy the outdoors and to teach people how important and valuable our gardens are.'
When asked about the more valuable aspects of his apprenticeship, Chris said the experience of working and studying in tandem was top of the list.
‘The best part of the apprenticeship was that it’s a great balance between school and work life. Having the opportunity to work and earn money but still being able to get involved in the education side of things was great,’ Chris said.
Among a range of other accolades, including the Nursery and Garden Industry Victoria (NGIV) scholarship, Chris was soon nominated for and won the Victorian Training Award for Victorian Apprentice of the Year last year.
‘It’s been a crazy year, but it’s been fantastic,' Chris said. 'You make great contacts through the awards program and you meet new people and you’re able to build a strong network through it.'
Chris also had some advice for anyone considering starting an apprenticeship or trainee program: just go for it.
‘Even with the sacrifices that came with an apprenticeship - the change in salary and that sort of thing - it was worthwhile making the change.'
For more information about the program, see: Victorian Training Awards
Students may be eligible for government-subsidised training. This is only offered by training providers who have a contract with the Victorian Government to deliver government-subsidised training.
If you're eligible, the government will contribute to the cost of the training.
Government-subsidised training is marked with this symbol . Course availability data is sourced from the Australian Course Information Register.