Horticulture trainee earns regional award nomination

A Pimlico horticulture trainee has been nominated for Trainee of the Year at the North Coast and Mid North Coast Regional Training Awards after building her skills through a TAFE NSW traineeship.

Ayla Woolley completed her Certificate III in Horticulture through TAFE NSW while undertaking a traineeship at Natures Decor Garden Centre.

The regional awards will be held at the Lennox Head Cultural Centre on May 22.

Woolley said her interest in horticulture grew from a lifelong fascination with nature and a desire to better understand the environment while studying science.

Her career path took shape after an opportunity at the garden centre, where she had been working casually.

“They offered me the opportunity to do a traineeship while working there so I could learn while working,” she said.

 

“It was such an amazing opportunity that I just jumped at because it was a really nice way to learn more on the job and stay close to home.”

Presented by the NSW Department of Education Training Services, the regional training awards recognise excellence and achievement across the vocational education and training sector.

Winners will progress to the NSW Training Awards in August.

Woolley credited the support of her TAFE teachers and workplace mentors throughout her traineeship.

In her current role, she assists with plant health maintenance, helps customers troubleshoot plant issues and works on bespoke garden designs tailored to local conditions.

“I’ve always loved nature. I’ve always loved being outside and to be part of an industry that’s so huge here in the Northern Rivers is really exciting,” she said.

“I love being able to help people put together plants to create a look that they’re after and also helping them understand what plants work in the area that they have as well.”