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Retrained last year as a horticulturalist after 30+ years in IT and communications. I am fitter and healthier than I have been in decades. Pay rates in the industry are low but I am building up my own business and enjoying the lifestyle benefits. Thoroughly recommend it.

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I've looked at doing this myself as gardening and plants are a passion of mine. Would you happen to have any advice?

I did a 6 months Cert III in horticulture, a Permaculture Design Certificate and read and watched as much as I could. Every day is a school day and I am still learning. Not sure about where you are but here in Western Australia the paid jobs in horticulture are very low paying (my 2 day forklift licence is worth more in the work place) but one of those jobs could be worth considering for the learning opportunity - I have been working part time in a nursery whilst I build up clients for my own garden maintenance business.

This sounds interesting. Could you give some more information on what is required in terms of training, and work opportunities?

See my other reply re training, employers here in WA generally want a Cert III minimum. There are jobs available but the pay is pretty poor. There are plenty of industries paying better for equally physical work (albeit not in a garden environment) and not requiring certification.

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