Students in Melbourne’s north are on their way to getting the skills they need for the jobs they want in the thriving horticulture industry, thanks to the Andrews Labor Government.

Minister for Training and Skills and Higher Education Gayle Tierney and Member for Northcote Kat Theophanous today visited Melbourne Polytechnic’s Fairfield campus to meet with students undertaking Certificate II and Certificate III in Horticulture, which are being offered under the Free TAFE program.

The campus hosts state-of-the-art horticulture training facilities that allow students to get hands-on experience so they can leave ready for work.

These facilities including extensive on-site gardens and greenhouses, where plants are potted, studied, and assessed for quality, a plant ID laboratory, where students can dissect and identify plants with cutting-edge microscopes and equipment, and a soil laboratory, to assist in developing expertise in soil nutrition and health.

Completion of the Certificate II and Certificate III in Horticulture will provide the students with the fundamental skills and knowledge needed to undertake further training or to pursue a career in the horticulture industry across a range of sectors including in parks and gardens, nurseries, and landscaping.

Since January this year, more than 2,800 students have enrolled in a Free TAFE course at Melbourne Polytechnic which represents a 55 per cent increase in Free TAFE course enrolments compared to the same time last year.

Since 2015, the Labor Government has committed more than $1.3 billion to rebuild our TAFE and training system and ensure students can get the skills they need for the jobs they want.

Quote attributable to Minister for Training and Skills and Higher Education Gayle Tierney

“These students are getting a world class horticulture education thanks to the expertise and facilities at Melbourne Polytechnic’s Fairfield campus. This is another Free TAFE success story, where hands on training is leading to real jobs in the sector.”

Quote attributable to Member for Northcote Kat Theophanous

“We are making training more accessible and affordable for Victorians. The increased number of students at Melbourne Polytechnic is showing the popularity – and importance – of the Free TAFE program.”