A TAFE NSW qualification has helped Newington resident Josh Edwards land his dream job maintaining the revered turf of Stadium Australia.
Stadium Australia hosts some of the state’s biggest sporting events and concerts, seating up to 83,500 spectators, which is quite a crowd for Josh to impress with his greenkeeping skills.
“Working at Stadium Australia is a huge honour. Every day the grounds have to be absolutely world-class,” Josh said.
“I’ve always had a soft spot for Stadium Australia because it was the main stadium for the Sydney 2000 Olympics, so it is the highest level. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”
The 35-year-old completed a Certificate III in Sports Turf Management at TAFE NSW and undertook an apprenticeship through employment services provider Skillset and a regional council, before travelling to Sydney to gain experience working in elite sporting complexes.
He took annual leave from his job to volunteer with the University of Sydney, helping to tend their first-grade cricket pitches. He later volunteered with the Royal Agricultural Society, who were so impressed with his initiative that they employed him on a full-time basis to maintain the Sydney Showground Stadium at Sydney Olympic Park.
“Most places these days won’t hire you without a trade certificate, so TAFE NSW was an essential stepping-stone to learn the skills I needed and get those qualifications,” Josh said.
“I loved going to TAFE NSW and learning new things, and I still find those skills helpful today.”
For more info, visit tafensw.edu.au or phone 131 601.
