Seeds of success
31 August 2009
Kangan Batman TAFE horticulture student Tim Wood stands tall among good company.
The high-achieving student continues to put down strong roots in his chosen field, last month taking home an Australian Vocational Student Prize awarded by the Hon Julia Gillard.
According to Tim's horticulture teacher Kerri Mewett, the award, which recognises Year 12 students who demonstrate exceptional skills, commitment and achievement while undertaking a vocational education and training program, went to a most deserving winner. Tim's nomination was jointly prepared by Kerri and Buckley Park Secondary College teacher Judy Alexander.
"Tim has always shown great enthusiasm and dedication to really establishing himself in the horticulture industry," she said.
"Ever since he started his studies with Kangan Batman TAFE, first as a VET in Schools student in conjunction with his VCE studies at Buckley Park Secondary College, and now as an apprentice undertaking his Certificate III in Horticulture while also taking on a few Diploma modules, Tim has remained focussed on his career path.
"He has a genuine love of plants and has always instigated lively discussion with his teachers on horticultural topics."
The Australia-wide awards promote vocational education and training as a valuable and desirable pathway for students. Each year, the awards recognise up to 500 Year 12 students and each winner receives $2,000 and a certificate.
Tim's prize comes hot on the heels of a horticulture excellence award he won at this year's Western Youth Futures Industry and Education Awards ceremony. He said he was surprised to receive this latest award.
"I didn't know what it was at first. I knew Kerri had made a submission on my behalf about six months ago, but it was still a surprise to get the award in the mail," Tim said.
"My mum, who has always given me a great deal of support in my studies, was immensely proud and delighted at my latest achievement. When I called my Nan up to let her know, she was so happy she cried.
"It's good to get some recognition for my studies. As part of my apprenticeship with Normark Landscaping, I'm also able to do a few diploma-level subjects. At the moment I'm working mostly on maintenance jobs, but my employer is aware of my interest in native gardens and plant care, so I'm usually assigned to these sorts of projects."
With his career in horticulture and design well and truly established and headed for great things, Tim said studying at Kangan Batman TAFE gave him the opportunity to explore career options in the landscape design industry.
The Australian Vocational Student Prize $2,000 prize money will come in handy for the keen horticulturalist, who is always on the look-out for books and materials which will let him further his knowledge in the industry.
