Landscaping officially declared a trade in SA
The state government has officially declared landscape construction as a trade, with the “significant win” meaning the in-demand skill can be delivered as an apprenticeship.
Landscaping construction has been elevated from its previous definition under a common title of “horticulture” where it was delivered via a traineeship as the state government moves to declare the skill as a trade.
The new definition means landscape construction can be delivered as an apprenticeship via the ‘ACH30921 Certificate III’.
The news was heralded as a “landmark achievement” by Master Landscapers of South Australia (MLSA), which led the push for the skill to become a trade.
South Australian skills commissioner Cameron Baker said his organisation worked in partnership with MLSA to formally establish new career pathways in landscaping construction.
“By declaring the Certificate III in Landscape Construction as a trade (apprenticeship) pathway, we are recognising the changing skills needed in the sector and the growing requirement for landscaping workers to have building licences to undertake work,” Baker said.
Further, two additional formal traineeships via a Certificate IV and a Diploma of Landscape Construction Management have also been endorsed by the Skills Commission, which the MLSA said was “a significant advancement for new and existing participants alike”.
“The ability for the commission to consider this career progression wholistically and side-by-side ensures that, not only is the entry point to this career highlighted but pathways also provide for the full range for career progression and advancement,” the MLSA said.
Baker said the two new landscaping traineeships for supervisors and managers provided “a structured approach to strengthening capability within the sector”.
Stay informed, daily
The MLSA highlighted that landscape gardeners with the combined skillset of planning and construction are currently included on Jobs and Skills Australia’s Occupation Shortage List.
As such, the recognition of landscape construction tradesperson as a trade aims to help fill this gap.
“The definition change will have a real impact on our state’s landscaping sector – not only its ongoing viability but also in its reputation and parity with other construction trades,” MLSA president Clint Adams said.
The new training qualifications came into effect on 15 November 2024.
