Completed project
Developing nursery industry career pathways (NY19006)
Publication date: September 13, 2021
Delivery Partner: RMCG and Greenlife Industry Australia
This investment worked to attract new entrants and retain existing staff across all sectors of the Australian nursery industry by delivering training programs and showcasing job opportunities.
The greenlife industry is an essential service in Australia, contributing $2.6 billion to annual farmgate value. However, with an aging workforce – only 15 per cent of full-time employees are under the age of 39 – it needs ongoing positioning as a career of choice.
This pilot project developed an integrated approach and foundation for workforce attraction, development and retention in the greenlife industry, with a focus on career development for people in horticulture, other related industries, and those making career changes.
Overall project objectives were the targeted design and delivery of education and training programs to upskill participants, and to define, develop and showcase dynamic jobs and career pathways within the sector.
Building on the outcomes of project Review of nursery industry career pathways (NY17002), the team engaged with industry members, education and training providers, and current and future industry employees.
The project team identified education providers offering nursery qualifications that were keen to better connect with industry, worked to highlight the breadth of jobs available throughout the sector, and conducted workshops and surveys to understand the relevant skill sets and education required for an entry level course aimed at attracting new employees.
A new Greenlife Industry Australia (GIA) Careers Hub was developed within the GIA website, housing materials and resources to help attract people to the greenlife sector. Job opportunities, case studies, a careers guide, train the trainer, introductory training courses, and best practice examples are all provided within the Hub.
Several recommendations to continue to attract, develop and retain people across the industry were provided by the project team.
Visit the Greenlife Industry Australia Careers Hub to find out more about the jobs, training and pathways for a rewarding career within this important sector
This project was a strategic levy investment in the Hort Innovation Nursery Fund
© 2026 Horticulture Innovation Australia Limited.
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