Gardening as a pastime, and a career

For 18-year-old Daniel Lutz, gardening is not only a cherished pastime; it is the key to overcoming personal challenges and reaching his full potential.

Based in Pasadena, SA, Daniel is autistic but that hasn’t slowed him down.

Daniel is undertaking a school-based traineeship through Urrbrae Agricultural High School, which involves studying at TAFE one day a week and working at Bickleigh Vale Farm, a certified organic seedling farm one day a week.

“I have always been interested in gardening and horticulture. I grew up with a veggie patch and I love growing the vegetables for my family.”
Daniel has completed a Certificate II in Horticulture and is in the midst of his Certificate III in Horticulture.

“The main reason I wanted to do a school-based traineeship was because it gives me the opportunity to gain practical skills and formal qualifications while I complete my VCE. ”

“I love being outside in the fresh air using my hands, it is much better than being in an office!”

“My traineeship has helped me get new life skills. It has also taught me to be more mature and organised. One of the greatest benefits is that I will finish Year 12 with a qualification under my belt unlike other school students. ”

Daniel’s employer, Dianna Bickford has been blown away by his passion for horticulture.

“I first came to meet Daniel at the local farmer’s market where he holds a stall every Sunday. I could see that he had a natural flair for gardening and extensive knowledge to back it up,” she said.

“He has a permanent part time position at Bickleigh Vale Farm assisting with general nursery and production work. Daniel’s ability and enthusiasm is unlimited. His love of growing things is infectious.”

Not only does Daniel attend TAFE, school and hold his position at Bickleigh Vale Farm, he also works at the farmers market on weekends, at a local supermarket produce section and he grows fruit, vegetables and breeds orchids in his spare time.

“I still manage to have fun and I have lots of spare time. It’s a good balance and variety. I also have a lot of support from my family and school teachers.”

When deciding what course or program to complete, Daniel consulted a Trade Schools for the Future program officer as well as his local Finding Workable Solutions, who helped him with job applications and other paperwork.

“They have been very helpful and encouraging. I have people regularly checking up on how my traineeship is going and if I am enjoying it.”
Daniel is now eagerly looking towards the future.

“I am interested in animals and agriculture so that is something I would like to study and pursue. I’m really pleased to be able to do something I love.”

The Australian Government has launched a national information campaign aimed at helping Australians access skills and training opportunities from the $3 billion Building Australia’s Future Workforce package announced in the 2011-12 Budget. With a strong focus on skills development and employment participation, the Building Australia’s Future Workforce package aims to motivate more Australians to think about skills training and to value a qualification as an investment in their future.

The campaign is part of the Australian Government's commitment to building an educated and sustainable workforce while at the same time helping to build an economy that continues to deliver new jobs and new business opportunities.

For more information on Building Australia’s Future Workforce information campaign visit www.skills.gov.au or free call 133 196.

For media enquiries: media@deewr.gov.au (02) 6240 7300