Kristy McDermott wanted to show her children that leaving high school in Year 9 did not prevent her from pursuing a fulfilling career. Kristy has more than proven this, being awarded the RA Wearne Award for Excellence in Learning at her graduation from a dual qualification in horticulture and landscape. She was also runner up for the Vocational Student of the Year Award at the Australian Training Awards this year.
Of her time with TAFE, through to her experience at the training awards, Kristy says every moment has been rewarding.
“I was nominated for the award by TAFE Queensland. I experienced anxiety and wasn’t very confident starting out, but throughout the course I was able to gain more confidence. Being nominated by TAFE Queensland showed me how far I’d come. It’s been a challenge, but incredibly rewarding, to do things I didn’t think I could. “
Kristy now runs her own business, Dreamtime Landscapes and Horticultural Services, working hand in hand with her partner, Dan. Kristy brings landscape projects to life and Dan offers his lawn care services to maintain them through his own business Dan’s Mowing and Property Maintenance. She enjoys the flexibility of her landscaping business. She also loves how it has allowed her to pursue her passion for bush tucker, which is part of her indigenous heritage, and share that with the community.
“Now that my business is up and running, I’m excited to get out into remote communities and share the knowledge I have with people. I want to show them what they can grow in their environment. I also want to learn from people in those remote environments and learn more about bush tucker, because they’re the ones with the knowledge.”
For anyone thinking of pursuing a career through training in the VET sector, Kristy says it can give you not only skills and knowledge, but a belief in yourself.
“If you’ve got a dream, go for it. If you don’t have confidence, this is one way you can find it.”