Lateshia Locker – Horticulture

Lateshia had worked in the welfare sector for ten years – but she realised something was missing. She decided to take her career in a new direction.

She had always enjoyed plants and gardening, so she looked at the horticulture courses available around Gippsland. This is how she found CCG.

‘I liked the sound of CCG from the start — their focus on sustainability, the community garden, and community and environmental values. Even though CCG is a long way from Sale, I was happy to go there to study the Certificate III in Horticulture because of those values.

‘CCG is more community-oriented and personalised than the larger institutions. When I started my course, the staff at CCG were really friendly and helpful. The trainers were very approachable, flexible and supportive.’

Not far into the course, a local business, Moondarra Berries, contacted CCG offering part-time work to a horticultural student. Lateshia was a great fit for the role. To enable her to take on the position, CCG supported Lateshia to transition to part-time studies.

According to Tony Bundock, Horticulture Trainer at CCG, ‘Lateshia has been heavily involved in all aspects of the genetics development programs at Moondarra Berries. By continuing her studies as well as working she has placed a higher workload on herself, but she is achieving all her goals.’

Lateshia says, ‘Being able to adapt my course at CCG around my part-time work at Moondarra Berries has allowed me to gain hands-on experience in the field while studying towards my Certificate III in Horticulture. Now I have finished my course, I am not only qualified in horticulture but I’ve also gained a wealth of experience working at the berry farm.

‘It’s all been an awesome experience, and has helped me launch my new career.’