IRCs now submit comprehensive Skills Forecasts to the AISC every 3 years, with abridged annual updates submitted in the intervening 2 years.
Amenity Horticulture, Landscaping, Conservation and Land Management IRC
Amenity Horticulture and Conservation
Overview
This page provides high-level information and data on the Amenity Horticulture and Conservation industry which comprises two main industry sectors:
- Amenity Horticulture and Landscaping
- Conservation and Land Management.
As of 2016, the industry included 11,051 gardening businesses, 14,751 landscape construction businesses, and 120 conservation operators. The industry is diverse, and businesses and organisations operate across the following sub-sectors:
- Arboriculture
- Landscape Services
- Gardening Services
- Turf and Sports Turf Management
- Production Nursery
- Retail Nursery
- Nature Reserves and Conservation Parks
- Botanical Gardens
- Land Care and Management.
Nationally recognised training for the Amenity Horticulture and Conservation industry is delivered under the AHC – Agriculture, Horticulture and Conservation and Land Management Training Package.
For more information and data specific to Amenity Horticulture and Landscaping; Conservation and Land Management; and Production Horticulture please visit the respective pages.
Information sourced from the Agriculture, Horticulture, Conservation and Land Management IRC’s 2020 Skills Forecast and the Agriculture, Horticulture, Conservation and Land Management IRC’s 2019 Skills Forecast.
All data sources are available at the end of the page.
IRC and skills forecasts
IRC and skills forecasts
Industry cluster snapshot
Industry cluster snapshot
Employment and training snapshot
Employment levels in occupations related to the Amenity Horticulture and Conservation industry cluster in the main increased between 2000 and 2020, with the number of Gardeners doubling to around 71, 800. The exceptions are Nurserypersons and Garden and Nursery Labourers which have decreased overall over this period. Looking to the future, employment levels are mixed between 2020 and 2024, with some occupations expected to increase while others may decrease.
There were approximately 18,560 program enrolments in Amenity Horticulture and Conservation-related qualifications during 2019, substantially down from the 24,040 enrolments in 2017. There were also just over 4,950 program completions, up from the previous year.
Industry insights
Industry insights
Industry insights on skills needs
According to the Agriculture, Horticulture, Conservation and Land Management IRC’s 2019 Skills Forecast, the top generic skills for Agriculture are:
- Learning agility/ information literacy/ intellectual autonomy and self-management (adaptability)
- Managerial/leadership
- Financial
- Technology
- Science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM) skills.
The Amenity Horticulture and Conservation industry is diverse and operates in an environment shaped by a range of natural factors, as well policy frameworks at state/territory, national and international levels.
The Agriculture, Horticulture, Conservation and Land Management IRC’s 2020 Skills Forecast outlines the impact of climate change, drought and water security on operations and workforce skills. In the Conservation and Land Management sectors, the Skills Forecast notes the need to consider further work on skills relating to fire and that many volunteers lack access to appropriate training which could have adverse environment impacts.
In the Amenity Horticulture and Landscaping industry changing trends and customer demand is driving the need to modernise licensing arrangements. As such it is expected there will be extensive changes recommended to Landscape units (and relevant qualifications) in a review of the AHC Training Package.
The Nursery industry, like many other industries, faces major challenges around high staff turnover and an ability to attract and retain qualified people. In response, it has developed a strategy and action plan that provides a clear roadmap for skilled career path development in the short to medium term and longer-term strategies to sustain an interest in working in the industry for the future.
The Agriculture, Horticulture, Conservation and Land Management IRC’s 2020 Skills Forecast- was researched and written during 2019 and early 2020. As such it does not include detailed responses to the COVID-19 situation.
For more information on the challenges and opportunities specific to each Amenity Horticulture and Conservation industry sector please visit the Amenity Horticulture and Landscaping and Conservation and Land Management pages.
Links and resources
Links and resources
Below is a list of industry-relevant research, organisations and associations. Hyperlinks have been included where available.
Relevant research
Nursery Industry Career Path Development Strategy: Industry Strategy and Action Plan – Hort Innovation
Nursery Industry Career Pathways: Report – Hort Innovation
Industry associations and advisory bodies
Australian Association of Bush Regenerators (AABR)
Australian Capital Tree Community
Australian Conservation Foundation
Australian Environmental Pest Managers Association
Australian Golf Course Superintendents Association
Australian Institute of Horticulture
Australian Institute of Landscape Architects
Australian Institute of Landscape Designers and Managers
Australian National Botanic Gardens
Australian Native Plants Society
Australian Society of Horticultural Science
Australian Wildlife Conservancy
Botanic Gardens Australia and New Zealand Inc
Centralian Land Management Association
Conservation Volunteers Australia
Ecological Society of Australia
Environment Institute of Australia and New Zealand
Farm Tree & Landcare Association
Garden Centres Association of Australia
Indigenous Flora and Fauna Association
Institute of Australian Consulting Arboriculturists
Interior Plantscape Association
International Network for Environmental Compliance and Enforcement
International Plant Propagators Society Australia
International Society of Arboriculture
Landscape Industries Association of Tasmania Inc. (LIAT)
Landscape Queensland Industries Assoc. Inc
Landscape Industries Association WA
Master Landscapers of SA (MLSA)
National Aboriginal Lands Managers Association
National Association for Sustainable Agriculture Australia
National Environment Protection Council
National Environmental Law Association
National Landcare Advisory Committee
National Parks Australia Council
National Urban Forest Alliance
New South Wales Arborist Association
Northern Territory Arboriculture Association
Nursery and Garden Industry Australia
Queensland Arboricultural Association
Society for Ecological Restoration Australasia (SERA)
South Australian Society for Arboriculture
Sports Turf Association, Australia
State and Territory Weed Management (Government)
Sustainable Gardening Australia
The Tree Guild of Western Australia
Tree Contractors Association Australia
Turf Grass Association of Australia
Victorian Tree Industry Organisation
Wildflowers Industry Network NSW Inc
Employee associations
Data sources and notes
Data sources and notes
Department of Employment 2020, Employment Projections, available from the Labour Market Information Portal
- by ANZSCO, selected occupations, employment projections to May 2024
- 2343 Environmental Scientists
- 3622 Gardeners
- 3623 Greenkeepers
- 3624 Nurserypersons
- 7211 Agricultural, Forestry and Horticultural Plant Operators
- 8414 Garden and Nursery Labourers
- 8419 Other Farm, Forestry and Garden Workers.
Australian Bureau of Statistics 2020, Employed persons by Occupation Unit Group of main job (ANZSCO), Sex, State and Territory, November 1984 onwards, 6291.0.55.003 - EQ08, viewed 1 August 2020 https://www.abs.gov.au/AUSSTATS/abs@.nsf/DetailsPage/6291.0.55.003May%202020?OpenDocument
Employed total by ANZSCO 4 digit occupation, 2000 to 2020, May quarter
- 2343 Environmental Scientists
- 3622 Gardeners
- 3623 Greenkeepers
- 3624 Nurserypersons
- 7211 Agricultural, Forestry and Horticultural Plant Operators
- 8414 Garden and Nursery Labourers
- 8419 Other Farm, Forestry and Garden Workers.
Training data has been extracted from the National VET Provider Collection, Total VET Students and Courses from the following training package or qualifications:
- AHC – Agriculture, Horticulture and Conservation and Land Management Training Package
- AHC20510 - Certificate II in Arboriculture
- AHC20513 - Certificate II in Arboriculture
- AHC20516 - Certificate II in Arboriculture
- AHC30810 - Certificate III in Arboriculture
- AHC30816 - Certificate III in Arboriculture
- AHC41916 - Certificate IV in Arboriculture
- AHC50510 - Diploma of Arboriculture
- AHC50516 - Diploma of Arboriculture
- AHC60516 - Advanced Diploma of Arboriculture
- AHC80116 - Graduate Diploma of Arboriculture
- RTF20203 - Certificate II in Horticulture (Arboriculture)
- RTF30203 - Certificate III in Horticulture (Arboriculture)
- RTF40203 - Certificate IV in Horticulture (Arboriculture)
- RTF50203 - Diploma of Horticulture (Arboriculture)
- RUH10298 - Certificate I in Horticulture (Arboriculture)
- RUH20298 - Certificate II in Horticulture (Arboriculture)
- RUH30298 - Certificate III in Horticulture (Arboriculture)
- RUH40298 - Certificate IV in Horticulture (Arboriculture)
- RUH50298 - Diploma of Horticulture (Arboriculture)
- RUH60298 - Advanced Diploma of Horticulture (Arboriculture)
- AHC21610 - Certificate II in Landscaping
- AHC21616 - Certificate II in Landscaping
- AHC30910 - Certificate III in Landscape Construction
- AHC30916 - Certificate III in Landscape Construction
- AHC42016 - Certificate IV in Landscape
- AHC50610 - Diploma of Landscape Design
- AHC50616 - Diploma of Landscape Design
- AHC52016 - Diploma of Landscape Project Management
- RTF20403 - Certificate II in Horticulture (Landscape)
- RTF30403 - Certificate III in Horticulture (Landscape)
- RTF40403 - Certificate IV in Horticulture (Landscape)
- RTF50403 - Diploma of Horticulture (Landscape)
- RUH10498 - Certificate I in Horticulture (Landscape)
- RUH20498 - Certificate II in Horticulture (Landscape)
- RUH30498 - Certificate III in Horticulture (Landscape)
- RUH40498 - Certificate IV in Horticulture (Landscape)
- RUH50498 - Diploma of Horticulture (Landscape)
- RUH60498 - Advanced Diploma of Horticulture (Landscape)
- RTF20603 - Certificate II in Horticulture (Wholesale Nursery)
- RTF40503 - Certificate IV in Horticulture (Retail Nursery)
- RTF40603 - Certificate IV in Horticulture (Wholesale Nursery)
- RTF50503 - Diploma of Horticulture (Retail Nursery)
- RTF50603 - Diploma of Horticulture (Wholesale Nursery)
- RUH10598 - Certificate I in Horticulture (Nursery)
- RUH20598 - Certificate II in Horticulture (Nursery)
- RUH30598 - Certificate III in Horticulture (Nursery)
- RUH40598 - Certificate IV in Horticulture (Nursery)
- RUH50598 - Diploma of Horticulture (Nursery)
- RUH60598 - Advanced Diploma of Horticulture (Nursery)
- AHC20710 - Certificate II in Production Nursery
- AHC20716 - Certificate II in Production Nursery
- AHC20810 - Certificate II in Retail Nursery
- AHC20816 - Certificate II in Retail Nursery
- AHC31110 - Certificate III in Production Nursery
- AHC31116 - Certificate III in Production Nursery
- AHC31210 - Certificate III in Retail Nursery
- AHC31216 - Certificate III in Retail Nursery
- AHC40610 - Certificate IV in Production Nursery
- AHC40616 - Certificate IV in Production Nursery
- AHC40710 - Certificate IV in Retail Nursery
- AHC40716 - Certificate IV in Retail Nursery
- AHC50810 - Diploma of Production Nursery Management
- AHC50816 - Diploma of Production Nursery Management
- AHC50910 - Diploma of Retail Nursery Management
- AHC50916 - Diploma of Retail Nursery Management
- RTF20503 - Certificate II in Horticulture (Retail Nursery)
- RTF30503 - Certificate III in Horticulture (Retail Nursery)
- RTF30603 - Certificate III in Horticulture (Wholesale Nursery)
- AHC20610 - Certificate II in Parks and Gardens
- AHC20616 - Certificate II in Parks and Gardens
- AHC31010 - Certificate III in Parks and Gardens
- AHC31016 - Certificate III in Parks and Gardens
- AHC40510 - Certificate IV in Parks and Gardens
- AHC40516 - Certificate IV in Parks and Gardens
- AHC50710 - Diploma of Parks and Gardens Management
- AHC50716 - Diploma of Parks and Gardens Management
- RTF20703 - Certificate II in Horticulture (Parks and Gardens)
- RTF30703 - Certificate III in Horticulture (Parks and Gardens)
- RTF40703 - Certificate IV in Horticulture (Parks and Gardens)
- RTF50703 - Diploma of Horticulture (Parks and Gardens)
- RUH10698 - Certificate I in Horticulture (Parks and Gardens)
- RUH20698 - Certificate II in Horticulture (Parks and Gardens)
- RUH30698 - Certificate III in Horticulture (Parks and Gardens)
- RUH40698 - Certificate IV in Horticulture (Parks and Gardens)
- RUH50698 - Diploma of Horticulture (Parks and Gardens)
- RUH60698 - Advanced Diploma of Horticulture (Parks and Gardens)
- AHC20910 - Certificate II in Sports Turf Management
- AHC20916 - Certificate II in Sports Turf Management
- AHC31310 - Certificate III in Sports Turf Management
- AHC31316 - Certificate III in Sports Turf Management
- AHC40810 - Certificate IV in Sports Turf Management
- AHC40812 - Certificate IV in Sports Turf Management
- AHC40816 - Certificate IV in Sports Turf Management
- AHC51010 - Diploma of Sports Turf Management
- AHC51016 - Diploma of Sports Turf Management
- RTF20803 - Certificate II in Horticulture (Turf)
- RTF30803 - Certificate III in Horticulture (Turf)
- RTF40803 - Certificate IV in Horticulture (Turf)
- RTF50803 - Diploma of Horticulture (Turf)101101
- RUH10798 - Certificate I in Horticulture (Turf Management)
- RUH20798 - Certificate II in Horticulture (Turf Management)
- RUH30798 - Certificate III in Horticulture (Turf Management)
- RUH40798 - Certificate IV in Horticulture (Turf Management)
- RUH50798 - Diploma of Horticulture (Turf Management)
- RUH60798 - Advanced Diploma of Horticulture (Turf Management)
- AHC10110 - Certificate I in Conservation and Land Management
- AHC10116 - Certificate I in Conservation and Land Management
- RTD10102 - Certificate I in Conservation and Land Management
- AHC21010 - Certificate II in Conservation and Land Management
- AHC21016 - Certificate II in Conservation and Land Management
- RTD20102 - Certificate II in Conservation and Land Management
- AHC31410 - Certificate III in Conservation and Land Management
- AHC31416 - Certificate III in Conservation and Land Management
- RTD30102 - Certificate III in Conservation and Land Management
- AHC31510 - Certificate III in Indigenous Land Management
- AHC31516 - Certificate III in Indigenous Land Management
- AHC31710 - Certificate III in Natural Area Restoration
- AHC40910 - Certificate IV in Conservation and Land Management
- AHC40916 - Certificate IV in Conservation and Land Management
- RTD40102 - Certificate IV in Conservation and Land Management
- AHC51110 - Diploma of Conservation and Land Management
- AHC51116 - Diploma of Conservation and Land Management
- RTD50102 - Diploma of Conservation and Land Management
- AHC31610 - Certificate III in Lands, Parks and Wildlife
- AHC31616 - Certificate III in Lands, Parks and Wildlife
- AHC31716 - Certificate III in Natural Area Restoration
- AHC32310 - Certificate III in Conservation Earthworks
- AHC32316 - Certificate III in Conservation Earthworks
- AHC32513 - Certificate III in Aboriginal-sites Work
- AHC32516 - Certificate III in Aboriginal Sites Work
- AHC51210 - Diploma of Community Coordination and Facilitation
- AHC60410 - Advanced Diploma of Conservation and Land Management
- AHC60415 - Advanced Diploma of Conservation and Land Management
- RTD60102 - Advanced Diploma of Conservation and Land Management
- AHC20919 - Certificate II in Sports Turf Management
- AHC31319 - Certificate III in Sports Turf Management
- AHC51019 - Diploma of Sports Turf Management
This includes superseded qualifications and training packages.
Data covers a range of selected student and training characteristics in the following categories and years:
- 2015 to 2019 program enrolments
- 2015 to 2019 program completions.
Total VET students and courses data is reported for the calendar year. Program enrolments are the qualifications, courses and skill-sets in which students are enrolled in a given period. For students enrolled in multiple programs, all programs are counted. Program completion indicates that a student has completed a structured and integrated program of education or training. Location data uses student residence. Subject enrolment is registration of a student at a training delivery location for the purpose of undertaking a module, unit of competency or subject. For more information on the terms and definitions, please refer to the Total VET students and courses: terms and definitions document.
Low counts (less than 5) are not reported to protect client confidentiality.
Percentages are rounded to one decimal place. This can lead to situations where the total sum of proportions in a chart may not add up to exactly 100%.
Updated: 05 Nov 2020