Changing perceptions

There is a perception that suggests that many of those who work in the nursery and garden industry are not ‘professionals’, do not require technical education and/or lack specialised skills.

How does the industry change this unjust perception, and in turn, endeavour to increase salaries; business success; keep up-to-date with current trends and practices; make attractive the industry as a career choice; and retain personnel?

There’s a program that that aims to ‘professionalise’ the industry by promoting personnel who have the skills, education and experience to be recognised as industry ‘professionals’ and ‘specialists’. This program is not only available to Horticulturalists – it is open to most people working within the industry who meet the required criteria; be they educators, management professionals, media or marketing specialists, landscapers etc.

For example, personnel who work for a growing media company may not have a degree but may have a wealth of skills, knowledge and experience not held by many others – they are a ‘specialist’ in their field, and this field is specific to the nursery and garden industry. They may be eligible for CNP ‘specialist’ recognition.

The program that aims assist with all these areas is the Certified Nursery Professional (CNP) program. It benefits the individual, the business and the industry as a whole.

For further information on how to become a CNP call the NGIA office on (02) 9876 5200, email cnp@ngia.com.au or go to www.ngia.com.au/cnp