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Horticulture apprenticeships involve management, preparation and establishment of grass areas, fine turf and even synthetic surfaces that are used for sports. Just like every apprenticeship program, apprentices work under the supervision and guidance of a professional in the industry for the entire duration of the program. Horticultural apprenticeships can specialise in gardens, parks, wholesale or retail nursery and landscaping, just to name a few.

The common tasks involved with horticulture apprenticeships are:

• Maintenance of all plants and various planted areas
• Operating machinery, tractors and other equipments
• Harvest and treat plants
• Construction of different horticultural features
• Application of biological and chemical agents
• Maintenance of drainage and irrigation systems
• Construction and/or maintenance of outdoor sport venues, like tennis courts, cricket wickets and golf greens.

Possible jobs following the completion of horticulture apprenticeships include:

• Gardener
• Landscaper
• Horticulturist (Floriculturist, Greenkeeper, Aboriculturist)
• Botanist
• Fishing and Forestry
• Nursery Worker

Financial Incentive Checklist for Australian Apprenticeships

Just like other apprenticeships, horticultural apprenticeships come with a number of benefits. Horticulture apprenticeship wages vary depending on the employer and the eligibility of the apprentices but the basic minimum wage is determined by the industry award. You may be eligible for financial assistance or incentives from the government. These financial incentives have been designed to support apprentices throughout their apprenticeship.

Below is a list of financial incentives you may be eligible for:

• ABSTUDY Payments, Austudy or Youth Allowance. Provides financial aid for an apprentice on a low wage.
• Living Away From Home Allowance or LAFLA
• Tools For Your Trade Payment
• Top-Up Apprenticeship Wage. For first year and second year apprentices below 30 years old belonging to a nationally-identified skills-shortage profession.
• Scholarships for Commonwealth Trade Learning
• Mid-Career Apprentice Support. For apprentices 30 years old and above belonging to high-demand trade occupation.
• Adult Apprentice Support. For apprentices 25 years old and above beginning in a high-demand trade occupation.
• Assistance Scheme for Vocational Training. For apprentices in their first and second year who still need to travel to attend their training organisation.
• Concessions for Public Transport
• Vehicle Registration Rebate
• Gear-Up Allowance
• Low-Income Card for Health Care

Check with your Group Training Organisation (GTO) or Australian Apprenticeships Centre for further details about the above-mentioned horticultural apprenticeships financial assistance you are eligible for.