A Shellharbour City Council staffer, who swapped a lifetime as a concreter for a career in horticulture, has taken out a prestigious TAFE award for his newfound profession.In May, Peter Robins won the Illawarra Institute of Technology Award for Academic Achievement for his outstanding efforts studying for Certificate 3 in Horticultural Landscape.
It is the first time the 43 year old father of two has undertaken formal study. Peter had spent his working life as a concreter but decided to try his hand at horticulture three years ago. He is now looking at furthering his career in Council’s Tree Management team.
Council’s General Manager, Brian Weir, praised Peter’s efforts and congratulated him on his commitment to his work.
“Peter has juggled full time work with study and family commitments and has done himself and this Council proud,” Brian Weir said. “I congratulate him on his outstanding effort and also acknowledge the support and guidance provided to him by our Parks and Gardens staff, including Parks and Gardens Superintendent, Paul Carter, and Tree Management Officer, Scott Rowe.”
Peter joined Council in 1988 as a concreter after having run his own successful concreting business. He transferred to the Parks and Gardens department after about 18 months as a gardener’s labourer and then started TAFE a year later.
“It was difficult being close to 40 years old, going back to study, working full time and also being a husband and father,” Peter said. “We have a 13 year old son and a 10 year old daughter and it has been a real juggling act over the past few years. Thankfully my colleagues and my family have helped me out and all our efforts have paid off.”
Under Council’s Study Assistance Program, Peter was able to attend TAFE one day a week to complete his study and will now undertake further study in arboriculture to further his career in tree management.
