Amidst COVID-19, the Masterclass in Horticultural Business has continued to progress, adapting the delivery of program elements to ensure participating scholars continue to receive a high-valued learning experience that will enhance their development and support overall business growth and innovation.
Delivered by the University of Tasmania (UTAS), the Hort Masterclass is a ten-month course undertaken predominantly online, offering a comprehensive and accessible program to those looking to accelerate their careers in the horticultural sector.
Though the course can be completed full-time within a ten-month timeframe, the program is now accepting part-time enrolments to maintain flexibility in study. This has been particularly beneficial to 2020 participants, as they deal with the continued uncertainty and impacts of COVID-19.
In July, the UTAS team hosted the second scheduled group workshop through the program. Taking a different form this year, the usual face-to-face intensives went online.
These sessions are important part of the program giving participants the opportunity to both engage in discussions with industry leaders and go out on farm walks to see impressive horticultural businesses. Being online this year, UTAS got virtual farm tour videos professionally produced, which were followed by a live Q&A with farm hosts.
One of the nursery industry scholarship recipients for 2020, Daniel Ewings from Andreasens Green, shared the following insights of his experience and key learnings to date:
“I decided that the Hort Masterclass was the next step in my study pathway; the course is a great mix of business and horticulture practices. After applying for the course, I was told about the scholarship and needless to say I was delighted to be awarded the scholarship,” Daniel said.
“The key learnings I have taken away from the course so far are a detailed understanding of financial reporting and a greater understanding of value chain supply. Both of these are key areas for development in my career plan.
“By the end of the Hort Masterclass I want to achieve foundation business skills that will allow me to develop my career and continue additional university study in business. The type of subjects we study will give me the tools to operate at a higher level in my current role.”
Hitting the half-way milestone in July 2020, participants will cover the following learning modules across the remainder of the year:
- Horticultural Marketing and Communication
- Global Trends and International Business
- Innovation and Entrepreneurship
- Business Development and Strategy
Upon completion of the course, nursery industry scholars will receive a Diploma in Horticultural Business from the University of Tasmania and will join a growing honour roll of graduates who have utilised key learnings to enhance their business and careers.
With funding from Hort Innovation’s Hort Frontiers fund and additional contributions from the Australian Government, the Hort Masterclass looks to equip those in the nursery industry with leadership and business management skills specific to the horticultural sector.
Congratulations to nursery industry participant, Zak Iqbal from Fernland Agencies, who was accepted into the course through mid-year entry in July.
To learn more about the Hort Masterclass, head to: http://www.utas.edu.au/tia/study/masterclass-in-horticultural-business.
Source: Your Levy at Work