Pittwater Life July 2017 Issue

Young Life
Young Life
TAFE’s life lessons for Jordan
Avalon Beach landscape
gardener Jordan Cahill
says that if he’d dwelt on
the reputation of universities
over TAFE colleges he may not
have chosen the path that’s led
him to the job satisfaction and
success he has experienced in
just a few short years – including
winning the Horticulture
Industry award at the recent
2017 TAFE NSW Student Excellence
Awards.
The 21-year-old graduated
with his HSC in 2013 before
pursuing an apprenticeship
with Cromer-based outfit The
Garden Makers, finishing his
time recently.
Jordan says his fascination
with landscape construction
and horticulture began when
he studied earth and environmental
science for his HSC.
With a keen eye for design and
arts, he considered studying
interior design or architecture,
but decided he wanted to be
able to build “what my mind
thought”.
“My TAFE (technical and
further education) experience
from day one was amazing,”
he said. “The perception is
that TAFE is looked down
upon by big universities and
employers, however some of
the most necessary training
and job possibilities come out
of a TAFE education.
“My teachers were like
friends to me, always mentoring
me to become the best
tradesman possible. They
teach you the guidelines and
ways in which to do something,
however give you the
potential to work out your
own methods to do things
your way.
“It was a perfect benchmark
for my career in the industry,
and I would definitely recommend
it to anyone.”
At TAFE Jordan showed
exemplary job skills in the
classroom and through his
workplace-based assessments.
He also competed in the World-
Skills Australia 2016 national
competition where, together
with his team partner, he was
awarded a silver medal.
Jordan said the best thing
about his job was seeing a job
progress from day one to the
completion, and realising the
potential of any outside space.
Having finished a Certificate
III in Landscape Construction,
Jordan says he’s eager to pursue
qualifications in landscape
design or architecture.
“I would also like to keep
building job sites with professionals
and work with some
respectful clients which will
hopefully see me growing
to build my own landscape
company one day, or become
a successful representative in
the landscaping industry,” he
said.
“My goal is to not only be
the best in the industry, yet
give the best, and train and
educate the future students to
make sure they are getting the
best training possible and are
giving back the best results
to improve the industry over
time.” – Nigel Wall
44 JULY 2017
Celebrating 25 Years