Nurserypersons propagate plants, flowers trees and shrubs for either wholesale or retail sales, or for use in parks and gardens. They grow plants either from seeds or from cuttings, as well as pruning and potting them. They also weed, prune,repot, irrigate and fertilise plants and ensure that they have the right conditions to grow by controlling light, temperature, humidity and watering. They may control pests by spraying stock, as well as picking and packing produce to send it to gardening retailers. Depending on where they work they may also sell plants and other gardening related goods like fertilizer and pots.
Specialisations
Plant Propagator
Knowledge, Skills and Attributes
- an appreciation of nature
- good physical fitness and the ability to stand for long periods
- practical skills and the ability to undertake manual labour
- problem solving skills
- organisational skills
- record-keeping and maths skills
Education Training Requirements
To become a nurseryperson, you usually need to complete a traineeship in Horticulture.
- S346 – Certificate III Horticulture (retail nursery)
- S347 – Certificate III Horticulture (wholesale nursery)
- D477 – Certificate III Production Nursery
- D478 – Certificate III Retail Nursery
Apprenticeships and Traineeships
As a trainee, you enter into a formal training contract with an employer. You spend most of your time working and learning practical skills on the job and you spend some time undertaking structured training with a registered training provider. They will assess your skills and when you are competent in all areas, you will be awarded a nationally recognised qualification.
