June 7th, 2017

With the month of June celebrating both World Environment Day and Great Outdoors Month, there has never been a better time for Australians to think about environmentally focused careers in the lead up to Australia’s pinnacle week for celebrating vocational education and training (VET), National Skills Week.

“Horticulture and agriculture sectors require professionals that are passionate about the environment, knowledgeable about new technologies and are able to enact change with dedicated work to care for our environment, protect and grow our natural resources,” says Kirstin Casey, General Manager at SkillsOne.

Whether it is horticulture, agriculture, environmental monitoring, conservation, tour guiding, lands, parks, wildlife or land management, VET has a number of different careers in environmental studies that are diverse and rewarding.

Canberran Sally Moylan, national VET Alumni member and 2014 Australian Training Awards’ Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year, is a graduate of two Certificate IIIs in Horticulture (Parks and Gardens)/Conservation and Land Management and is employed at the ACT Government’s Parks and City Services.

“One of my goals is to be a good role model and strong leader for young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. I want to be able to inspire others to do what they’ve always dreamt of doing,” said Sally.

Not just a keen horticulturalist, Sally plays Cricket for the ACT Meteors and was named vice-captain of the inaugural Australian Indigenous women’s cricket team that toured India in May 2016.  For Sally, being able to connect her sporting achievements and career pathways to help others is a fantastic experience.

“I have a real passion for young people and want to use my experience in the sport and horticulture to encourage young people to care for the environment and to lead healthy lifestyles – through physical activity, gaining a trade and growing their own food such as bush tucker.”

South Australian Timothy Spurling was a finalist in the Australian Apprentice (Trainee) of the Year category at the 2015 Australian Training Awards after winning the state title.  Also a graduate of horticulture, Timothy had spent his childhood fascinated by the environment in particular what would grow in the arid environments of his home town in South Australia. After a three year traineeship offered by the Botanic Gardens of South Australia, Timothy is now a fully qualified horticulturalist implementing sustainable practices in his everyday work.

SkillsOne will be showcasing VET qualifications during National Skills Week from 28 August to 3 September 2017. The Week will see Australia celebrate the endless career opportunities available through VET. To organise an event, or take part in the many events that can be found, visit the National Skills Week website.

For further information on Sally or Timothy’s story, or other great career stories from the Australian Training Awards, VET Alumni program or the Australian Apprenticeships Ambassadors program, visit the Australian Training Awards website.

For more information please contact: Kirstin Casey (General Manager at SkillsOne) Mobile: 0420 652 558 Email: kirstin.casey@skillsone.com.au

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