Landscaping Project
Menu: Click across the green arrows to view active and completed project stages. Consultation takes place at every stage of the project.Case for change
Landscapers play an integral role in creating safe, sustainable and functional outdoor spaces for private and public use. The AHC Training Package, which contains these skills standards, is one of the largest, most complex and diverse training packages in the Australian System. Given how vital it is that these skills are regularly reviewed and updated, this project continues the full review of the AHC Training Package outlined in the Skills Forecast and Program of Works 2019 – 2022.
The Australian Industry Skills Committee (AISC) approved this project, out of the Annual Update IRC Skills Forecast and Proposed Schedule of Work.
Skills Impact and the Amenity Horticulture, Landscaping, Conservation & Land Management Industry Reference Committee (IRC) will oversee this project, consistent with the 2012 Standards for Training Package Development.
Skills Impact and the Food, Beverage and Pharmaceutical Industry Reference Committee (IRC) will oversee this project, consistent with the 2012 Standards for Training Package Development.
Register your interest in the projectSubscribe to the Skills Impact newsletter to keep informed about project updates and opportunities to provide input and feedback. Make sure to select ‘Agriculture, Horticulture, Conservation and Land Management’ as your industry of interest. |
Project Plan
A skilled workforce of landscape professionals design, construct and maintain the gardens and green spaces in our public spaces and backyards. As urban city blocks get smaller, people are looking to landscapers to create and deliver outcomes where they can get the most out of their garden space. Many backyards these days are an extension to the living room, so it is important they offer a safe, comfortable, and sustainable space for entertainment and enjoyment. Well-designed public gardens, parks, and streetscapes increase the liveability of local communities.
Landscapers consider the local environment and site conditions to design, construct and maintain gardens that add social and economic value to private and community spaces. This requires skills in horticulture and plant care, as well as expertise in working with a range of materials to create structures such as retaining walls, fences, pergolas, decks, pathways, and water features. It is important that skills standards for this industry are regularly reviewed so that they reflect current safe work practices and standards, industry regulations, the latest in technology, and up to date knowledge of horticulture and ecology.
With landscape works involving many varied elements, people employed in these roles will sometimes work alongside carpenters, plumbers, electricians, and other professionals to produce the final product. As such, landscapers possess skills to account for and complement the work of these professionals, preparing materials and spaces for this work to take place.
Work is underway as part of this project to update current qualifications, skill sets and units of competency in landscaping construction and design, so that they reflect current industry trends, support safe work practices, and promote clear career pathways.
A project in parks and gardens is taking place at the same time as this project. There is overlap in some of the foundational skills for these two projects, so you may also like to read about and contribute to that project. Read more about the Parks and Gardens here.
Project Scope
Five qualifications, four skill sets, and 24 units in landscaping construction and design will be reviewed and updated to better reflect current skills needs for this sector and strengthen career pathways. There is scope to develop additional skill sets and units for skills standards not already captured.
Register your interest in the projectSubscribe to the Skills Impact newsletter to keep informed about project updates and opportunities to provide input and feedback. Make sure to select ‘Agriculture, Horticulture, Conservation and Land Management’ as your industry of interest. |
Relevant Occupations
- Residential Landscaper
- Commercial Landscaper
- Landscape Designer
- Garden Maintenance
- Softscape Installer
- Green Roof Technician
- Site Foreman
- Project Manager
- Estimator
- Leading Hand/Supervisor/Team Leader
- Landscape Lighting Technician
- Irrigation Installer
Timeline
September 2020
Initial scoping
October 2020
Development of draft qualifications, skill sets and units
Nov-Dec 2020
Drafts available for broad consultation
Mar-Apr 2021
Validation of final drafts
May 2021
Finalisation of Training Package components
May-July 2021
Independent Quality Assurance, and Edit and Equity review of Training Package components
Aug-Sept 2021
IRC consideration for sign-off and submission for endorsement
Project Team
| Rebecca Ford | Industry Skills Standards Specialist, Skills Impact | rebecca@skillsimpact.com.au |
| Michelle Ingley-Smith | Industry Engagement Manager, Skills Impact | michelle@skillsimpact.com.au |
| Peter Miller | Industry Skills Standard Contractor |
Opportunities for stakeholder input
Those with experience in landscaping and others with knowledge in this field who are able to describe the skills and qualifications needed for this industry are invited to engage with this project.
It is important that training provides a skilled and flexible workforce for the future. The qualifications, skill sets, and units need to reflect real work experience. So, if you work in the sector, Skills Impact welcomes your input and assistance.
The skills standards will be drafted in consultation with Subject Matter Experts and their networks. Opportunities to provide targeted feedback will occur when the draft skills standards are made available in Nov-Dec 2020, and again for validation of final drafts in Mar-Apr 2021. However, your feedback is welcomed at any time, and will help us in drafting the qualifications, skill set and units.
Please register your interest in project updates and consultation opportunities by following the newsletter subscription link. Alternatively, contact the project manager, Rebecca Ford on 0408 901 209 or at rebecca@skillsimpact.com.au.
N.B. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, Webinars will be held to replace the face-to-face consultation workshops Skills Impact would usually host around Australia.
Stakeholder Consultation Process
A list of key stakeholder organisations has been identified for this project based on their industry role, size or specialty. Skills Impact will ensure contact is made with each of these organisations to seek their involvement and views on all draft qualifications, skill sets and units. Consultation is not limited to the organisations on this list, they have simply been identified as the most likely to have a key interest in the development and outcomes of this project
If you are aware of an organisation that you think should be involved, please contact the project team to ensure they are contacted by us.