Greenlife Careers Hub: Launching into a new era
By Gabrielle Stannus
Whether you are looking for work, seeking suitable employees, or wanting to develop yourself professionally within the Greenlife Industry, our new online Greenlife Careers Hub has something for you.
Greenlife Industry Australia’s (GIA) new Greenlife Careers Hub is a one-stop shop for prospective employees and employers looking to enter the industry, recruit new staff or develop themselves professionally. This new hub includes training support networks and systems, a skilled careers promotion toolkit and promotions, a web-based central training resources hub and a career jobs and pathways guide with case studies.
The Greenlife Careers Hub is a one-stop shop for people seeking to enter the greenlife industry Image: Greenlife Industry Australia
Nursery industry levy funded research conducted by GIA in conjunction with Down to Earth Research and ACIL Allen Consulting found that the Greenlife Industry employs around 25,000 Australians on a full time, part time and casual basis. However, this is an aging workforce with only 15% below 39 years of age. Therefore the Greenlife Careers Hub has been developed with a view to engaging a younger audience.
“By branding the Greenlife Industry as a smart career choice, we are tapping into the millennial desire for environmental change,” says Sonya Gifford, GIA’s Member Engagement and Partnership Manager, “We are showing prospective employees that a career in this industry will help them to invest in a secure future for themselves and the planet. If you want to contribute to a future of liveable, greener and cooler cities, promote food security and support human physical and mental health, then a career in the Greenlife Industry may be just what you are looking for.”
Smart People Grow Plants
The Greenlife Careers Hub includes information and resources designed specifically to meet the needs of students, parents and guardians, career changers, careers advisers and employers. An industry specific careers guide, Smart People Grow Plants, explains what you may want to know before embarking on a career in Australia’s Greenlife Industry.
“Through the Greenlife Careers Hub, we aim to give a complete view of what a horticulturist does, what the training entails and what your daily routine and work life is going to be like,” says Sonya, “We also explain the differences between a production nursery, retail nursery and a garden centre and what they do.”
“You may currently be working in human resources or dispatch or a as a lab technician in another industry. Did you know that you may be able to transfer your skills across to the greenlife industry?” Sonya asks.
“We provide information to people seeking work in the industry as to the variety of roles that are potentially available to them,” says Sonya, “A series of career pathway case studies published on the Greenlife Careers Hub help to demonstrate that our industry is stable and provides opportunity for career advancement and diversification.”
Smart People Grow Plants, a guide to careers in Australia’s Greenlife Industry Image: Greenlife Industry Australia
Potential employers
Potential employers can engage with the Greenlife Careers Hub in multiple ways.
“If you are an employer looking for people, what do you need to know before putting them on?” asks Sonya, “Perhaps you are seeking to engage an apprentice or trainee for the first time but are unsure about how to do that?”
“The Greenlife Careers Hub and the Smart People Grow Plants guide will show you the differences between an apprentice and trainee, the requirements and your responsibilities so that you can make the right choice to suit your business needs,” adds Sonya.
Greenlife Jobs Board
Potential employers and employees are also encouraged to use the new Greenlife Jobs Board.
The Greenlife Careers Hub includes a national Jobs Board where businesses can list employment opportunities. Greenlife Industry Australia Business Members receive free Jobs Board listings with State Association Members receiving one free Jobs Board listing per annum.
If you are an employer and would like to submit an Ad to the Employment Section of the Greenlife Careers Hub, please fill in the online form.
Certified Nursery Professionals
If you are a qualified professional seeking to remain up to date in a changing industry, the Greenlife Careers Hub now makes it easier for you to apply for and/or maintain your recognition as a Certified Nursery Professional.
GIA’s Certified Nursery Professional (CNP) recognition program for individuals acknowledges members for their skill and knowledge along with their ongoing commitment to professional development.
“You can apply for and/or maintain your recognition as a Certified Nursery Professional online via the Greenlife Careers Hub,” says Sonya, “We are now recognising complementary training and professional development, e.g. participation in a social media workshop. Whilst these areas are not strictly horticultural in their focus, they may play a very important role in helping your greenlife business to thrive.”
The Greenlife Careers Hub makes it easier for industry professionals to apply for and/or maintain your recognition as a Certified Nursery Professional Image: Greenlife Industry Australia
Want more info?
If you would like more information on how the Greenlife Careers Hub may help your business meet its workforce needs, please contact Sonya Gifford, GIA’s Member Engagement and Partnership Manager via email: Sonya.Gifford@greenlifeindustry.com.au.
