The Andrews Labor Government will deliver an Australian-first TAFE course for landscape designers, boosting the profession and better connecting it with other Victorian industries.
Minister for Training and Skills Gayle Tierney today visited the Arid Garden at the Royal Botanic Gardens to announce a $1.29 million investment to deliver the new Advanced Landscape Design and Construction course, developed by Landscaping Victoria alongside three Victorian TAFEs.
Advanced Landscape Design and Construction will enhance the skills of landscape designers by enabling them to legally apply for permits and submit construction plans directly to councils.
Landscape designers are currently limited due to regulator and council requirements, including needing to outsource design plans to obtain permits. The new qualification will help streamline the permit process, create stronger ties between landscape designers and local councils, and create a stronger workforce.
The industry will be further boosted by a new registration category that will formally recognise landscape designers as approved providers, implemented by the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning.
About 36 practicing landscapers will undertake the pilot course through Holmesglen Institute of TAFE, Melbourne Polytechnic and Swinburne University of Technology from July.
Victorian TAFEs currently offer Certificate IV and Diploma level landscape design courses.
The Labor Government has invested in the Advanced Landscape Design and Construction course through the Workforce Training Innovation Fund, which better connects TAFE and training to industry and skills needs while delivering new ideas and solutions for Victoria's future.
Since 2014, the Labor Government has made a record $3.2 billion investment to rebuild TAFE and support universities and higher education to ensure Victorians have access to high quality education and rewarding career pathways.
As stated by Minister for Training and Skills Gayle Tierney
"This is an Australian-first TAFE course that will ensure landscape designers in Victoria have the skills they need to do their job and effectively interact with other industries."
"Only a Labor Government will continue to boost TAFE and training - making sure Victorians have the best opportunities - supporting local industry and strengthening our economy."
